The Chargers don't have the high-octane offense many are used to seeing. But their numerous weapons still make them a threat against the Bucs' porous secondary. In addition, San Diego plays formidable defense, making opponents earn every inch.
Chargers' top offensive player
Philip Rivers, right, is coming off a great game against the Chiefs during which he completed 18 of 20 passes. In his only game against the Bucs, in 2008, he tied a career high with four touchdown passes.
Chargers' top defensive player
Eric Weddle, left, has developed into one of the league's top safeties and is a key in the Chargers' run and pass defense. Since 2011, he has a league-leading nine interceptions.
Bucs must avoid …
An early deficit. The Chargers play an aggressive defense that will come after quarterback Josh Freeman if the Bucs trail by a big margin and have to consistently go to the air.
What the Chargers do best
Stop the run. Bucs running back Doug Martin will have his work cut out for him against a team allowing 84 yards a game. Only Cleveland's Trent Richardson has reached 100 yards against San Diego.
How you beat the Chargers
Affect their offensive balance. In the Chargers' four wins, Philip Rivers has averaged 27 passes. In the Chargers' four losses, he has averaged 38.8.
Projected starters
BUCS
OFFENSE
WR: Vincent Jackson
LT: Donald Penn
LG: Jeremy Zuttah
C: Ted Larsen
RG: Jamon Meredith
RT: Demar Dotson
TE: Dallas Clark
WR: Mike Williams
QB: Josh Freeman
RB: Doug Martin
FB: Erik Lorig
DEFENSE
LDE: Michael Bennett
DT: Gerald McCoy
DT: Roy Miller
RDE: Daniel
Te'o-Nesheim
SLB: Quincy Black
MLB: Mason Foster
WLB: Lavonte David
CB: E.J. Biggers
CB: Eric Wright
SS: Mark Barron
FS: Ronde Barber
special teams
PR: Roscoe Parrish
KR: Arrelious Benn
PK: Connor Barth
P/KO: Michael Koenen
Chargers
OFFENSE
WR: Malcolm Floyd
LT: Mike Harris
LG: Tyronne Green
C: Nick Hardwick
RG: Louis Vasquez
RT: Jeromey Clary
TE: Antonio Gates
WR: Seyi Ajirotutu
QB: Philip Rivers
RB: Ryan Mathews
FB: Le'Ron McClain
DEFENSE
LDE: Vaughn Martin
NT: Aubrayo Franklin
RDE: Corey Liuget
OLB: Shaun Phillips
ILB: Takeo Spikes
ILB: Donald Butler
OLB: Jarret Johnson
CB: Antoine Cason
CB: Quentin Jammer
SS: Atari Bigby
FS: Eric Weddle
special teams
PR: Eric Weddle
KR: Curtis Brinkley
PK/KO: Nick Novak
P: Mike Scifres
Prediction
Bucs 26, Chargers 24
Stat pack
1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Bucs by 3, 47½
Rushing yards
passing yards
total yards
Rushing yards allowed
passing yards allowed
total yards allowed
Bucs
Chargers
131.0 (9th) 105.9 (20th)
77.3 (1st) 84.0 (4th)
245.4 (13th) 217.3 (22nd)
321.1 (32nd) 237.8 (18th)
376.4 (9th) 323.2 (26th)
398.4 (29th) 321.8 (9th)
Injury report
Bucs — Questionable: WR Arrelious Benn (shoulder), S Cody Grimm (hamstring). Probable: DE Michael Bennett (shoulder), TE Luke Stocker (shoulder), WR Mike Williams (forearm), CB Eric Wright (Achilles).
Chargers — Doubtful: LB Antwan Barnes (hamstring). Questionable: T Jared Gaither (groin), DE Corey Liuget (hamstring), LB Demorrio Williams (abdominal). Probable: S Atari Bigby (quadriceps), CB Chris Carr (quadriceps), WR Robert Meachem (hamstring), LB Shaun Phillips (finger), WR Eddie Royal (hamstring).
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