Are you ready for some Monday Night Football action? Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season culminates with a thrilling prime-time double header that has significant playoff implications. In the early game, Lamar Jackson leads the surging Baltimore Ravens against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Later, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers clash with Kyler Murray’s Arizona Cardinals in the desert.
Ravens Aim to Solidify AFC North Lead vs. Bucs
The Ravens enter this matchup riding a four-game winning streak that has catapulted them to the top of the AFC North standings. Baltimore’s high-powered rushing attack, spearheaded by the electric Lamar Jackson and a punishing offensive line, will look to exploit a Tampa Bay defense that ranks in the bottom third of the league against the run.
On the other side of the ball, the Buccaneers have exceeded expectations on offense thanks to the resurgent play of Baker Mayfield. The former No. 1 overall pick has found new life in Tampa, utilizing the dynamic duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to stretch the field. However, the Ravens’ ball-hawking secondary will pose a stiff challenge.
“This Ravens team is hitting their stride at the perfect time,” a source close to the Baltimore organization told ESPN. “Lamar is playing at an MVP level, and the defense is starting to create turnovers. They’re a tough out, even on the road against a quality opponent like the Bucs.”
The Ravens enter as 3.5-point road favorites with an over/under set at 50.5 points. Baltimore has covered the spread in each of its last four games, while Tampa Bay is 10-4 against the spread as an underdog since acquiring Mayfield. Overs are 5-1 in Ravens games this season, and three straight Buccaneers contests have gone over the total.
Betting Pick: Ravens -3.5
Baltimore’s multifaceted ground game will be too much for Tampa’s vulnerable run defense. Look for the Ravens to control the clock and hit on a few big plays to Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews. The Bucs will put up a fight, but Lamar Jackson is due for a signature prime-time performance. Lay the points with the Ravens.
Player Props to Target
- Lamar Jackson over 49.5 rushing yards (-120): Jackson has surpassed this total in four of six games and should have room to run against the Bucs.
- Baker Mayfield over 1.5 passing TDs (-125): Mayfield has multiple touchdown passes in four of six starts and will need to air it out to keep pace with Baltimore.
- Derrick Henry over 79.5 rushing yards (-140): The bruising back remains the centerpiece of the Ravens’ offense, eclipsing 80 yards in five straight.
Chargers, Cardinals Clash in Critical NFC West Battle
The nightcap features an intriguing matchup between two teams jockeying for position in the hyper-competitive NFC West. The Chargers sit at 3-2 and appear to be rounding into form, while the Cardinals are desperate for a win to avoid falling three games below .500.
All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, as Justin Herbert and Kyler Murray are two of the most exciting young signal-callers in the game. Herbert has the luxury of throwing to Marvin Harrison Jr., quickly emerging as one of the NFL’s elite receivers. The Cardinals’ offense flows through Murray and his ability to improvise, with rookie tight end Trey McBride becoming a reliable safety valve underneath.
“The Chargers are finally starting to play up to their potential,” said an NFC scout. “But going on the road in prime time is never easy, especially against a talented Arizona team with their backs against the wall. This one could come down to which quarterback makes more plays in the fourth quarter.”
The Chargers are installed as 1.5-point road favorites with the over/under dipping to 42.5 points. Los Angeles is 4-1 against the spread this season, including a perfect 3-0 mark as a favorite. Unders are 4-1 in Chargers games and 15-5 in their past 20 overall. Kyler Murray has struggled against the spread at home in his career (15-22 ATS).
Betting Pick: Cardinals +1.5
This shapes up as a down-to-the-wire affair between two evenly matched teams. The Chargers are the more complete squad, but Murray’s magic and the raucous home crowd will be the difference. Arizona’s defense rises to the occasion in a low-scoring game, so take the points in what should be a field goal contest either way.
Player Props to Target
- Marvin Harrison Jr. over 49.5 receiving yards (-140): The rookie phenom is a threat to go over this modest total every time he takes the field.
- James Conner under 59.5 rushing yards (-110): The Chargers’ run defense has been stout, and Arizona will need to lean on the passing game to move the chains.
- Trey McBride over 49.5 receiving yards (-115): Murray’s security blanket will be busy against a Chargers secondary focused on taking away the deep ball.
No matter which side you land on, this Monday Night Football double dip promises to be a treat for fans and bettors alike. Buckle up for a night full of thrilling finishes and jaw-dropping highlights as these four contenders battle under the brightest of lights. May the odds be ever in your favor!
