Chargers (

22.25) at
Browns (

20.25)

Game Overview ::

By papy324 >>

• The notable injuries on the Browns side are G Joel Bitonio (DNP) with a foot, LB Jordan Hicks (DNP) with an elbow, and Denzel Ward (DNP) with a concussion.
• The notable injuries on the Chargers side are TE Will Dissly (DNP) with a shoulder, TE Hayden Hurst (LP) with a groin, WR Ladd McConkey (LP) with a hip, DE Joey Bosa (LP) with a hip, and WR Quentin Johnson (LP) with an ankle.
• Nick Chubb played 61% of the snaps last week and looks ready to resume his lead-back role for the rest of the season.
• J.K. Dobbins played 82% of the snaps last week and has settled into a modern-day workhorse role.
• Jameis Winston gives all the Browns pass catchers hope for a big game but this matchup is far from ideal.
• Justin Herbert looks fully healthy but he is playing in a run-oriented offense where he’s being asked to manage games.
• The Chargers defense has given up the fewest points in the league.

How los angeles Will Try To Win ::

The 4-3 Chargers come into Week 9 after taking care of business at home against a wounded Saints squad. The Chargers have the misfortune of playing in the same division as the Chiefs, which means it’s tough for them to get into the playoffs automatically. That leaves a wildcard berth, and if the season ended today, Los Angeles would get the final wildcard spot over the 4-4 Colts. Without much depth in the AFC, there is a good chance the Chargers will be fighting for a playoff spot at the end of the year. Being a wildcard contender makes winning games on the road like this important because it could mean the difference in making or missing the playoffs. The Chargers are far from a playoff lock, but Jim Harbaugh must be happy with how they’ve performed to the start season.

They haven’t played many elite offenses but the Chargers 91 points allowed are the lowest in the league. The offense has been what we expected coming into the season. They play at a plodding pace (32^nd in seconds per play) and like to run (14^th in PROE) but you can’t argue with the results Greg Roman has produced throughout his career using his style. The Chargers O-line has improved this year (16^th ranked by PFF) with their improvement largely impart to Rookie LT Joe Alt who has been as advertised allowing pressure on only 3% of pass plays this season. They’ll need to be able to protect against a Browns defense that has been getting to QBs (7^th in sack percentage). The improvement of their offensive line and defense, along with a run first style, make this a very different Chargers team than the one we saw over the past several seasons. The Browns have been middling against the pass (17^th in DVOA) and the run (16^th in DVOA), which means there shouldn’t be a reason for the Chargers to change from their preferred style. Expect the Chargers to come out with their typical slow pace of play, and run oriented offense, for as long as the game stays competitive.

How Cleveland Will Try To Win ::