After big back-to-back wins, the Chargers look to carry that momentum and clinch a playoff spot when they face the Colts on Monday night.
Once they take the field, there are a few key things to follow closely.
Here are four things to watch for during the Week 16 showdown.
Seeking third-quarter touchdown
Nine. It’s been nine weeks since the Chargers last scored a touchdown in the third quarter. The last came in the victory over the Browns on Oct. 9.
Los Angeles has managed to go 5-4 in that timeframe, and in the victories over the Dolphins and Titans, the only points in the third quarter came from a 31-yard field goal against Miami two weeks ago. They laid a goose egg against Tennessee.
The Colts are seventh in the league in third-quarter points allowed (40). While it might be a tall task, the Chargers need to decipher their halftime adjustments quickly as they approach the playoffs, where points are vital if they want to make a run.
Red zone offense
The Chargers must continue to turn their offensive drives into touchdowns, not just field goals, when they get inside their opponent’s 20-yard line.
Los Angeles was 2-of-2 last weekend against the Titans, both rushing touchdowns. This was an improvement, given the team hasn’t had success running the ball, and the offensive line hasn’t gotten much push near the goal line.
L.A. ranks 26th in red zone offense, while the Colts rank 31st in red zone defense.
Justin Herbert vs. Gus Bradley
Former Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley oversees the Colts’ defense and has had them playing good football. Indianapolis enters this game ranked 11th in defensive DVOA.
Bradley has stuck with his system: lots of Cover 3 and very little blitzing.
Herbert is familiar with it, having faced it during his rookie training camp and last season twice when Bradley was the Raiders’ defensive coordinator.
In those two games, Herbert was 59-of-102 passing for 605 yards, six touchdowns and an interception.
Derwin back in the mix
Over the past two weeks, the Chargers defense has played at a high level against the Dolphins and Titans, ranking third in defensive DVOA in that timeframe.
Believe it or not, this has been without Derwin James on the field. James has missed the past two games with a quad issue. But the star safety will be back on the playing field.
James should resume his role as a moveable chess piece. But it will be interesting to see if they keep giving Alohi Gilman, who played good football in the starting role, snaps. Gilman would do well as an extra nickel defender.
