Game Scout: Chargers at Dolphins
San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Miami Dolphins (4-5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. - TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
*Keys to the game: The distraction of the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito saga isn't as damaging to the Dolphins on the field as is the tangible loss of two starters off an offensive line that wasn't exactly elite to begin with. Miami managed just two rushing yards last week, with RB Lamar Miller finding almost no room to maneuver. Stuck in long passing situations behind shaky protection, QB Ryan Tannehill is too prone to turnovers - 10 interceptions and five lost fumbles. He'll rack up yards against the league's 28th-ranked pass defense, but turnovers and red zone efficiency will be the key. San Diego's offense doesn't have to be stellar on the ground, it just needs RB Ryan Mathews to lead enough of a running game against a soft run defense to buy QB Philip Rivers time in the pocket. The Chargers' offensive line is also undermanned - potentially by three starters - and the Dolphins have enough pass rushers to force Rivers into mistakes.
*Matchup to watch - Chargers RT D.J. Fluker vs. Dolphins DE Cam Wake: Fluker is in line for first-team all-rookie honors, although there is a chance he could move to the blind side Sunday with King Dunlap (neck) uncertain. Wake has 5.5 sacks, but he was a non-factor in last week's loss at Tampa Bay.
*Player spotlight - Chargers OLB Tourek Williams: The rookie sixth-round pick sacked Peyton Manning last week and could start with Larry English joining Dwight Freeney on injured reserve.
*Fast facts: Chargers WR Keenan Allen leads NFL rookies in receiving yards (568). ... San Diego has used five different left tackles this season. ... Miller is averaging 5.6 yards per carry at home this season.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Someone's glimmering playoff hopes is going to be dealt a serious blow. It's a long trip for the Chargers, but it proves fruitful with Miami unable to run the ball and QB Ryan Tannehill a turnover machine behind a poor offensive line.
*Our pick: Chargers 21-20
