This Sunday the (2-2) Los Angeles Chargers and the (2-2) Cleveland Browns will matchup in the fifth week of the 2022 NFL season. Kickoff will be at 1:00 PM EST inside FirstEnergy Stadium. Both of these teams will be looking for their third win of the season, as they are both dealing with injuries.
The Los Angeles Chargers are coming into this one after defeating the Houston Texas, 34-24. The Chargers showed that they could consistently move the ball through the air or on the ground, as the Texans had a hard time slowing them down. They will need to stay efficient on offense if they want to challenge the Browns on the road.
The Cleveland Browns are entering this one after falling to the Atlanta Falcons, 23-20. Atalanta ran the ball all over the Browns, as they finished with 202 rushing yards. Cleveland's run defense has to be better if they want to take care of business at home.
The Los Angeles Chargers are (2-2) to start this season, as they currently sit in a tie for second place in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos. Now, the Chargers trail the Kansas City Chiefs by one game. On offense, the Chargers are scoring 23 points per game and averaging 371.8 total yards. This is the 12th most points scored per game and the seventh most yards. They have shown that they can move the ball through the air. The Chargers are averaging 307.3 passing yards per game, which is the most in the NFL. Justin Herbert has been slinging the rock around the field to begin this season, as Mike Williams continues to make big plays for him. Keenan Allen has been out the past few weeks with a hamstring injury, and Williams has become Herbert's, main man. Williams has already scored two touchdowns and recorded 258 yards this season. Los Angeles is also running for 64.5 yards per game, which is the least in the NFL. Watch for them to get the ball to Austin Ekeler out of the backfield, as he is the leading running back on this team.
On defense, the Chargers have shown that they can give up points. They are currently surrendering 27 points per game and 349.5 yards. This is the 30th most points given up per game and the 20th most yards. The chargers are also playing without Joey Bosa, as he was put on the IR earlier in the season. They are allowing 109.8 rushing yards per game, which is the 15th least in the league. Their front seven continues to rally toward the ball, as I would watch for Drue Tranquill, as he leads the team in tackles and he has recorded an interception this season. The Chargers are allowing 239.8 passing yards per game, as well. This is the 17th most passing yards surrendered per game, as their secondary struggled against the Chiefs and the Jaguars. The Chargers have recorded five interceptions this season, though. They can create anarchy, while still giving up yards.