Sep 28, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws the ball during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Chargers (4-1) at Oakland Raiders (0-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at o.Co Stadium, Oakland, Calif. – TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
*Keys to the game: The Raiders’ chances of being competitive could hinge on San Diego’s injury report. The Chargers could be down to their fourth options at running back and center as well as their backup left tackle, which could seriously curtail any semblance of a ground game. Despite the mounting injuries, San Diego continues to lead the league in time of possession, in part due to building big leads and also because QB Philip Rivers is getting the ball out quickly in a passing game more reliant on moving the chains than taking vertical shots.
Raiders interim head coach Tony Sparano is pleased with the progress of rookie QB Derek Carr, who is expected to start despite still being less than 100 percent on his sprained ankle. The main issue, however, is the striking lack of support from the ground game, which has contributed just 12 first downs through four games. Sparano’s history indicates he’ll give the ground game every opportunity to produce as Oakland attempts to run the ball, shorten the game and avoid turnovers.
*Matchup to watch – Chargers C Rich Ohrnberger vs. Raiders DT Antonio Smith and NT Pat Sims: Ohrnberger hopes to return from his back injury. If not, Trevor Robinson could get the call just five days after being signed off Cincinnati’s practice squad. Sims finished with a career-high 54 tackles last season, but has gotten off to a slow start and is being pushed by Justin Ellis, who started the previous game and played 35 snaps to Sims’ 27.
*Player spotlight – Chargers RB Ronnie Brown: Re-signed this week, Brown could be in line for significant action with Donald Brown (concussion) questionable and Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead sidelined. Brown spent last season with San Diego, so he knows the offense.
*Fast facts: The Chargers’ past three victories have come against opponents with a combined 3-11 record. … In 37 possessions with Carr at quarterback, the Raiders have 22 punts, five touchdowns, three field goals and seven turnovers (four interceptions three lost fumbles not involving Carr).
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
There might not be anyone in the NFL playing at a higher rate than Rivers, and there is certainly no team playing at a lower level than the Raiders. Even a heated division rivalry and a spark from a coaching change can’t overcome Oakland’s massive deficiencies on both sides of the ball.
*Our pick: Chargers 33-19
