The Sports Xchange

Cleveland Browns (1-2) at San Diego Chargers (1-2)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein

*Keys to the game: Chargers QB Philip Rivers said the offense has to find more balance if San Diego is to compete consistently after a 1-2 start, a glance toward rookie RB Melvin Gordon, who rushed for 51 yards in a loss to the Vikings last week. Rivers knows the limitations of his offensive line as well, and quicker decisions from the pocket will back the Browns’ defense off the line of scrimmage and directly benefit Gordon.

The Browns rank 25th in the NFL in rushing with an 86.3-yard average per game and would like to get Isaiah Crowell clearer running lanes between the tackles, but rookie Duke Johnson could also see an expanded role. S Eric Weddle is the Chargers’ answer to shifty running backs because of his range and explosiveness, but if QB Josh McCown can look him off and open the middle of the field, vertical threat Travis Benjamin is capable of delivering big plays the passing game needs. San Diego is outwardly sweating modest results rushing the passer and McCown’s mobility will be a concern.

*Matchup to watch – Browns RB Duke Johnson vs. Chargers LBs: The Chargers won’t know what to expect when they see Johnson – who caught six passes last week — in the backfield. He is strong and shifty enough to take a handoff and run inside and quick enough to take a pitch and run outside or catch a pass in the flat.

*Player spotlight – Chargers DE Corey Liuget: The Chargers signed Liuget to a six-year, $58 million contract extension during the offseason but he has yet to record a sack, and San Diego has only one this season – from rookie Kyle Emanuel.

*Fast facts: Benjamin averages 45.1 yards on his nine career touchdowns. … McCown is 17-34 career as a starter. … Rivers (257) needs four touchdown passes to tie Dave Krieg for 13th on the all-time list.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Browns scrap for every yard on offense but the Chargers sense a loss could be devastating after back-to-back defeats on the road. QB Philip Rivers steers a late decisive drive for San Diego.

*Our pick: Chargers 25-19.