Usa Today

[braven98]

San Diego (-2½) at Baltimore

It's the game of the week in the AFC. This is a great measuring stick for both teams, and maybe the first real challenge of Chargers QB Philip Rivers' career. After all, the Chargers played the Raiders and Titans in their first two games and didn't play last week. The Chargers have the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and the Ravens are No. 2. Rivers has never been in a game like this and never faced a defense with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis running roughshod. Don't expect many points from either team. Expect the Ravens to have at least one more point than the Chargers.

Ravens 16, Chargers 14

[RavenScallywag]

This really is a good matchup. #1 and #2 defenses in the AFC. Heap vs Gates. Our stifiling run defense against LT, who is a multi-dimensional weapon. McNair vs. Merriman. Rivers being tested against C-Mac, Rolle, and Reed, not to mention Ray.

IMHO, this game is too close to call. I'd say the odds should be even. This game is going to be won by the team more determined to win it.

[camdenyard]

I'd say it's too close to call as well, if it were not being played at our place. That joint will be rockin' and Rivers is going to have a tough go of it. That gives us at least a 3 point advantage, I think.

[flraven]

I'd say it's too close to call as well, if it were not being played at our place. That joint will be rockin' and Rivers is going to have a tough go of it. That gives us at least a 3 point advantage, I think.

Good point. I'm surprised Billick hasn't issued the call yet to all the fans saying he wants them real loud the whole game. If its a tight game, I'm sure everyone will be LOUD.

[RAVENOUS52]

The fans will make all the difference...and so will I, shouting down the Chargers fans here in San Diego County...;)

[RockyMRaven]

Only problem is that it looks like Suggs may not play. And Reed is questionable too. That's two potent weapons missing. Time for Cody to step up for Suggs. But Sapp is a fairly big step down for Reed.