Two playoff contenders offer an intriguing interconference matchup when the Los Angeles Chargers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chargers are positioned to make the postseason in the AFC but only own one victory against a team above .500 this season. Leaders of the NFC South in the midst of a three-game winning streak, Tampa Bay confronts its stiffest test during an easy stretch-run schedule. In one of the better matchups of Week 15, the Chargers are favored by a field goal.
Los Angeles is still figuring out its offense without injured lead back J.K. Dobbins. Since Dobbins was put on injured reserve after Week 12's loss to Baltimore, the Chargers have let quarterback Justin Herbert take control of the offense.
The Herbert-dominated offense produced only 17 points per game and 31 total carries for non-quarterbacks over the last two games. With the Chargers' backfield becoming a non-factor, Herbert's weapons in the passing game are the focus.
Facing a Tampa Bay defense that was missing five players in Week 14, Herbert will get the green light to let it rip. Rookie wideout Ladd McConkey (questionable) is averaging 107 receiving yards per game the last three weeks as the new go-to receiver for Herbert.
Herbert was limited at practice Thursday. According to The Athletic, Herbert expressed pain but said this ankle injury is "probably not as severe" as the sprain he had earlier in the season. Will he be 100 percent?
To beat the Chargers, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield needs to take better care of the ball. Tampa Bay's balanced top-10 offense gets stalled too often by Mayfield turnovers -- including three in the first half of Week 14's win over Las Vegas.
The health of running back Bucky Irving also remains a factor for Tampa Bay. Irving is expected to play, but Rachaad White could get a larger share of the backfield work against a Chargers run defense that is 22nd in rushing yards allowed per play.
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