Thanksgiving Ravens links: Chargers game has meaning for Steve Smith, short week presents challenge

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Here are today's links to read before enjoying some turkey and watching the other NFL games with your family:

Chargers game has meaning for Steve Smith

Ravens receiver Steve Smith has some close ties with members of the Chargers' staff, most notably head coach Mike McCoy, writes The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec.

Five stats that stand out

The Baltimore Sun's Jon Meoli writes about five stats that stand out leading into the Ravens' home game against the Chargers this Sunday.

Short week presents challenge for Ravens

ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley writes that the Ravens are on a short week following Monday night's win over New Orleans, which could present some challenges this week.

Torrey Smith hopes Ray Rice gets another chance

With a ruling on Ray Rice's reinstatement nearing, Ravens receiver Torrey Smith hopes his former teammate gets another chance in the NFL in the future, writes CSNBaltimore.com's Clifton Brown.

Ravens-Chargers has playoff implications

BaltimoreRavens.com's Garrett Downing writes that with both Baltimore and San Diego at 7-4, this week's game has major AFC playoff implications.