Los Angeles Chargers

What To Expect: Week 3 Predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Quick Recap: Chargers’ fans got a taste of what this team is capable of this past Sunday versus the Jaguars. We seen a full game of consistent offense and defense. Offensively, the Chargers responded to the loss of Keenan in a big way behind Rivers’ 4 TDs and Melvin Gordon’s 102 rushing yard game and TD. Defensively, they took full advantage of Bortles mistakes with 2 INTs by Casey Hayward and a sack fumble by Melvin Ingram. Side note: I was at the game and it was refreshing to see a stadium filled with 95% Chargers. The crowd was rocking at the Q!

Onto week 3, the Chargers travel to Indianapolis to face the 0-2 Colts. The Chargers must ride last weeks momentum into this week on the road versus a team that is always dangerous. The loss of Danny Woodhead and Jahleel Addae is sickening but the Chargers recently singed Dexter Mccluster to try to fill the void of Woodhead. Solid pick up in my opinion. A good RB who can catch balls out of the back field well and is lighting fast. As for Addae, it looks like off season stand out, Dexter McCoil will fill in. For this week again, I like the Chargers match up against the Colts.

First major factor: Andrew Luck versus our CBs. It is no secret that the Colts running game is just as bad, if not worse than the Jaguars. (Sorry Frank Gore, but why your time has passed now) Andrew Luck is going to be throwing the ball….a lot. The offen

Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass the ball during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

sive line of the Colts is very notably bad so keeping the pressure on Luck should be priority number one. Luck is a very mobile QB as well, so keeping him in the pocket will be key for the defense. If the defense can keep enough pressure on Luck, and keep him in the pocket, he will make tough risky throws that can be taken advantage of.

Second major factor: Protect Philip Rivers. It’s never going to change. Protecting the best player on this team every Sunday is a must do. I don’t want to jinx the offensive line but they have done a great job so far this year. Staying Healthy and keeping Rivers upright.

Third major factor: Our offense taking advantage of the Colts defense. The Colts defense is notably banged up. The Chargers offense needs to execute the the game plan. Commit to the run to set up the play action. The Colts don’t have much depth at all, keep a upbeat tempo on offense, tire them out and put points on the board. Running the ball effectively will chew up the clock and keep Andrew Luck off the field.

My Prediction: I am taking the Chargers to win this game. I believe the Chargers are better on both sides of the ball. When I put the Chargers offense up to the Colts depleted defense the edge goes to the Chargers. When I put Andrew Luck’s offense without Moncrief, lack of protection, and run game on the field, I like the Chargers defense that much more. I think the defense stays hot and gets another turnover this week. The offense will flourish behind Melvin Gordon’s 150 yard two touchdown game. FINAL SCORE: Chargers-28, Colts-14

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