1. Pressure with four » Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks against the blitz. He’s thrown 14 of his 27 touchdowns when teams bring extra pressure. He makes excellent reads and quick decisions. And with Fred Smoot possibly filling in for LaRon Landry at safety, the Redskins could go with more two-deep safeties. That means the front four has to apply pressure on Rivers, even if he only plays limited snaps.

2. Control the ball » Even if the Chargers only play some key starters for a half, the main way the Redskins can slow them is by limiting their possessions. That means controlling the ball. San Diego allows 4.5 yards per carry. Its defense is fairly average, except in the red zone, so there will be opportunities to move the ball. But the Redskins also must convert. San Diego has allowed 17 or fewer points in six of the last 10 games.

3. Defend the middle » Rivers loves to attack the middle with his passes, a staple of Norv Turner offenses. But Rivers will try to find tight end Antonio Gates and running back Darren Sproles over the middle. Both can do serious damage. Gates is averaging 14.7 yards per catch while Sproles gets 11.0 yards per reception. Both figures are high for their respective positions. They’re tough matchups because of size (Gates is 6-foot-4) and quickness.

Key matchups


DeAngelo Hall • Redskins • CB » His anticipation skills have to compensate for a seven-inch height disadvantage; he’s had a solid year.

vs.
Vincent Jackson • Chargers • WR » One of the best young receivers in the game. He averages 17.2 yards per catch.

Stephon Heyer • Redskins • RT » Give him credit for playing hurt most of the season; but the Redskins still need to upgrade here.

vs.
Shaun Phillips • Chargers • LB » He leads the Chargers with seven sacks, but he leads the NFL with seven forced fumbles.

Andre Carter • Redskins • DE » If the Redskins have a chance, Carter must apply some pressure from the left side.

vs.
Brandyn Dombrowski • Chargers • RT » The rookie right tackle has started seven games, including the past five, and has held up fine.

State of the teams


CHARGERS » San Diego is the hottest team in the NFL, having won 10 straight games. But the Chargers have clinched their playoff seeding, so they have nothing to gain by winning. The Chargers’ goal is to stay healthy.

REDSKINS » The Redskins can play as hard as they want, but with a banged-up offensive line they’ll still be limited. Considering all the change that’s coming, it’s hard to imagine their minds are solely on this game.

Examiner predicts


This is a tough one because it’s uncertain how much San Diego will play its starters. We’ll say the Chargers play them long enough.

Chargers 24, Redskins 20


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