The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-8 and running out of opportunities to salvage their season. Fortunately, Monday night's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens could be one of their best chances to finally get into the win column.
Baltimore is dealing with major injuries, including the absence of Lamar Jackson, and will turn to newly acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Ravens are also struggling to find consistency at 4-5. Meanwhile, the Chargers are coming off another ugly loss after allowing C.J. Stroud to throw for 384 yards and five touchdowns.
Could Jim Harbaugh finally get his team a victory? Here are three bold predictions for Chargers-Ravens on Monday Night Football.
Bold Prediction No. 3: Jacoby Brissett throws for 2+ touchdowns in Ravens debut
Brissett is now a Raven, and his first start with Baltimore will come at home against the Chargers. Los Angeles has a solid defense and typically does a good job making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. However, that certainly wasn't the case against Houston.
Stroud walked all over the Chargers on Sunday, throwing for 384 yards and five touchdowns. Brissett isn't the same kind of quarterback, but he has plenty of NFL experience and should have enough weapons around him to make an impact in his first game with Baltimore.
I expect at least two of his passes to find the end zone Monday night. Zay Flowers could be in line for a productive performance, which would be welcome news for fantasy managers who have been waiting for the Ravens' offense to get back on track.
Bold Prediction No. 2: Keaton Mitchell scores a touchdown against his former team
This is probably the boldest prediction of the three. Mitchell will face his former team for the first time since joining the Chargers, and I think he'll find a way to make his return memorable.
Mitchell has one touchdown this season, and it came through the air. He's recorded 46 carries for 178 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt, while adding 18 receptions for 103 yards.
The Chargers have continued to rotate their running backs, making it difficult to predict which player will receive the most opportunities. However, Mitchell has shown that he can contribute as both a runner and receiver.
In primetime, I expect him to get a chance near the goal line and take advantage of it. Scoring against the team that gave him his NFL opportunity would make for a pretty good Monday night story.
Bold Prediction No. 1: The Chargers win their first game of the 2026 season
The Chargers have a chance to win? Yes, they do.
Without Lamar Jackson under center, Baltimore is a much more vulnerable opponent. The Ravens are 4-5, dealing with injuries and trying to get their season back on track. Meanwhile, the Chargers are desperate to avoid falling to 0-9.
There's also an interesting storyline on the sideline. Jesse Minter, who previously served as the Chargers' defensive coordinator, will face his former boss, Jim Harbaugh, for the first time as opposing head coaches.
Harbaugh's first season in Los Angeles has been a disaster, but this is an opportunity to give his team something positive. Justin Herbert needs to play much better than he did against Houston, and I expect him to respond with a more competitive performance.
Baltimore still has plenty of defensive talent. Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith could make things difficult for Herbert, while Kyle Hamilton would be another major factor if he's healthy enough to play.
This could be an ugly game, with both offenses struggling to find consistency. However, I think the Chargers finally get over the hump and leave Baltimore with a victory.
Score Prediction: Chargers win 20-17, with Cameron Dicker making four field goals. Los Angeles can't go 0-17, can it? This is one of its best remaining opportunities to avoid that nightmare, and I'm picking the Chargers to take advantage.