Disclaimer

These contests are intended to be fun as you're watching the game. It's incredibly difficult to get a real edge as there are so few options, and in MME contests, there are often many duplicate lineups. One play or one penalty can change the entire outcome of the game.

Game Strategy

• Over/Under: 49.5
• Spread: Ravens -3
• Ravens Implied Team Total: 26.3
• Chargers Implied Team Total: 23.3

The 49.5 point Over/Under is the second-highest of the entire week. This matchup between the Harbaugh brothers projects to be extremely competitive between two of the league's best teams. Lean into offensive players on both sides of the ball and avoid the D/STs.

Injury Roundup

• Hayden Hurst OUT
• Ladd McConkey Questionable

Captain Consideration

• Lamar Jackson
• Derrick Henry
• Zay Flowers
• Justin Herbert
• Ladd McConkey

Baltimore Ravens Showdown Players

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson - Captain/Flex

Lamar Jackson has a tough matchup against a Chargers defense that ranks second-best in EPA/Play Allowed and fourth-best in Dropback EPA Allowed but the Chargers defense has a tough matchup against Lamar Jackson as well. Jackson is having an incredible season. He ranks third in both passing yards per game (261.5) and pass touchdowns per game (2.3) and leads a Ravens offense that leads the NFL in EPA/Play. Of course, Jackson is an elite dual-threat who has also added 584 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on the ground.

Running Back

Derrick Henry - Captain/Flex

Derrick Henry ranks 15th in opportunities per game (19), third in total yards per game (116.5), and first in total touchdowns (15). The Ravens are three-point favorites. If the game script is favorable for Henry, it will be tough to get there without him.

Justice Hill - Flex

Derrick Henry is awesome but there is no guarantee a favorable game script will go his way in this competitive contest, especially with the Ravens playing on the road. The matchup is a tough one against a Chargers defense that ranks second-best in EPA/Play Allowed and fourth-best in Rush EPA Allowed. Justice Hill is the receiving running back in Baltimore. He's caught 31 of 37 targets for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns so far this season. Hill is a tournament play when playing for a pass-heavy game script for the Ravens offense.

Wide Receiver

Zay Flowers - Captain/Flex

Zay Flowers leads the Ravens in targets (79), receptions (52), and receiving yards (727). He has seen 27 more targets, caught 19 more passes, and racked up 196 more receiving yards than any other teammate. Flowers has gone over 100 receiving yards four times this season, which showcases his upside. He's a strong captain play in tournaments.

Rashod Bateman - Flex

Rashod Bateman is the clear-cut wide receiver two in Baltimore and after dealing with injuries during the week, has been removed from the injury report. He's good to go. Bateman ranks second on the team in targets (52), receptions (33), and receiving yards (531). He's a big play machine who averages 16.1 yards per catch. He's a tournament play stackable with Lamar Jackson.

Nelson Agholor - Flex

Nelson Agholor remains the Ravens wide receiver three, not Diontae Johnson. Over the past two games, Agholor has played 26 and 13 more offensive snaps than Johnson, respectively. Agholor could post a zero but he has caught a touchdown in two of his past four games, making him a tournament play in large fields.

Tight End

Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely - Flex

Offensive snap percentages last week in Isaiah Likely's return from injury: Andrews 61% and Likely 49%. This frustratingly remains a timeshare. Both tight ends are talented and both are in play. If making one lineup go with Andrews but if making multiple, it's smart to differentiate your exposure between the two.

Los Angeles Chargers Showdown Players

Quarterback

Justin Herbert - Captain/Flex

After a quiet first month, Justin Herbert has been playing awesome football. In October and November, Herbert is averaging 268 passing yards, which would rank third in the league if over the full season. Over that time frame the Chargers offense ranks third in Early Down Pass Frequency. How do you attack the Ravens defense? They rank fifth-best in Rush EPA Allowed but only 24th in Dropback EPA Allowed. Herbert is going to rip it repeatedly at home in this favorable spot, making him one of the best plays and a serious captain play.

Running Back

J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards - Flex

J.K. Dobbins played on 73% of the offensive snaps last week but only saw 12 opportunities compared to 6 for Gus Edwards. Dobbins still scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Dobbins is clearly still the better play but in a tough matchup, he's a tough play when his ownership will be much higher. If playing a Chargers running back in tournaments, it's better to roll with Edwards and pray he gets the goal line carry over Hassan Haskins.

Wide Receiver

Ladd McConkey - Captain/Flex

Ladd McConkey is listed as questionable but if he's active he's one of the best plays in this game. McConkey leads the Chargers in targets (63), receptions (43), and receiving yards (615). He has seen 15 more targets, caught 6 more passes, and racked up 250 more receiving yards than any other teammate. In October and November, Justin Herbert is averaging 268 passing yards, which would rank third in the league if over the full season. Over that time frame the Chargers offense ranks third in Early Down Pass Frequency. McConkey is the number one beneficiary of this offensive philosophy shift.

Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer - Flex

Both Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer are strong tournament flexes at home in a good matchup and favorable fantasy game environment. Johnston leads the Chargers in touchdown receptions (6) and averages 16.1 yards per catch. That's great, but Palmer has an even higher number at 18.3 yards per catch. One of these guys is likely to make a big play at low ownership.

Tight End

Will Dissly - Flex

Hayden Hurst will miss this game and Will Dissly has seen six or more targets in four of his past five games. Dissly has become a legitimate receiving weapon for Justin Herbert and should keep it going in a projected high-scoring game and favorable matchup.