KEY PLAYERS

QB Philip Rivers

Rivers’ career has been a mixed bag. He’s thrown for the sixth-most yards and touchdowns in NFL history but has a 3-4 career postseason record and no Super Bowl appearances. He has had a big arm for the majority of his career and has made every throw imaginable. He also has a great resume, with eight Pro Bowl selections and NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2013.

Most people are divided on whether Rivers has had bad luck throughout his career or whether he just can’t win big games consistently enough. Regardless, time could be running out on the soon-to-be 38-year-old. His arm isn’t what it used to be, and it is becoming more difficult for him to shoulder the load.

RB Melvin Gordon

It took Gordon a few games to get going after a four-week holdout, but he looks to be in a nice rhythm heading into this game. He has gone over 100 total scrimmage yards in each of his last two games, with three touchdowns. Gordon is an explosive runner and a threat to get to the end zone every time he touches the ball.

RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler is perhaps the most underrated running back in the NFL. He leads the Chargers in rushing yards and receiving touchdowns, and is second on the team in receptions. Ekeler is a do-it-all player who will line up in the backfield and out wide. He is a powerful runner with deceptive speed who has a knack for making big plays in key situations.

DE Joey Bosa

Bosa has established himself as one of the top defensive ends in the NFL and is a force against both the run and the pass. He recorded double-digit sacks in each of his first two seasons and was on pace to do so again last season before a foot injury cost him nine games. He is sixth in the league in sacks this season with 8.5.

CB Casey Hayward

Hayward has been one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL over the last few seasons. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has recorded 13 interceptions over his last four seasons. He is currently the seventh-rated cornerback by Pro Football Focus. Over his last three games, Hayward has two pass breakups and an interception while allowing just one reception.