Live thread: Ravens at Bucs, Chargers at Cardinals, ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader

Week 7 concludes with a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader, featuring the Ravens at Bucs, and Chargers at Cardinals. Come chat with us in our open thread.

Week 7 comes to a close with a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader, first featuring the Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers , with the Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals starting 45 minutes later. Unlike previous doubleheaders this season, ESPN and ABC will feature the first game, while the second will be available nationally on the ESPN+ streaming service.

There is one more twist to Monday’s festivities. ESPN2 will feature The Manningcast, and while they will primarily follow the Ravens vs. Bucs game, they will jump in and show a few highlights from the Chargers vs. Cardinals game. Then, once the first game has concluded, they will shift over to the other game for some extra coverage.

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Ravens (4-2) at Buccaneers (4-2)

Betting line, prediction, and how to watch

Baltimore is the favorite in this game, as the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook have set the betting line at Ravens -3.5 points.

This one should be fun. These two teams feature two high-scoring offenses, with the Bucs averaging 29.7 points per game (T-2nd best in the NFL) and the Ravens scoring 29.5 PPG (4th). On third downs, the Ravens check in as No. 1 on conversions, while the Bucs are No. 4, meaning you can expect some extended drives and lots of points.

Erik’s prediction: Ravens 31-27

Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN/ABC
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters (field reporter)
ESPN 2: Manningcast with Peyton and Eli Manning , as well as special guests
Online Streaming: ESPN+ , ESPN APP , NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube , NFL+ Premium

Manningcast guest list includes former Patriots coach Bill Belichick in the first half, followed by quarterback Joe Flacco and former Ravens safety Ed Reed. The fourth guest, NFL Red Zone’s Scott Hanson, will join the show following the switch over to the second game.

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Chargers (3-2) at Cardinals (2-4)

Betting line, prediction, and how to watch

Los Angeles has the better record and they’re the favorites in this game, as the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook have set the betting line at Chargers -2.5 points.

When the Chargers can run the ball well, they tend to have an advantage. In fact, running back J.K. Dobbins has cleared 95 yards rushing three times this season, all resulting in Chargers victories. The Cardinals are 1-2 since losing to the Detroit Lions , failing to score more than two touchdowns in their two losses, while reaching 24 points in their win over the 49ers . This game figures to be much tighter than the other “MNF” game this week and could be a tight game when the main broadcast switches over late in the game.

Erik’s prediction: Chargers 20-14

Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
TV: ESPN+
ESPN 2: Manningcast with Peyton and Eli Manning, as well as special guest Scott Hanson
Announcers: Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky, Laura Rutledge (field reporter)
Online Streaming: ESPN+ , ESPN APP , NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube , NFL+ Premium

Enjoy the games and come chat with us in the comments.