San Diego Chargers (5-3) at Miami Dolphins (4-3)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at SunLife Stadium, Miami – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Jenny Dell

*Keys to the game: The Dolphins have pinned down their past two opponents, and three of the past four failed to reach 15 points. The Chargers don’t mind a low-scoring game, and it even suits their brand of keep-away offense in which Philip Rivers picks and pecks his way down the field to lull defensive backs to sleep before throwing over the top to Malcom Floyd or Antonio Gates.

Miami’s stock of edge rushers is solid, and the Dolphins can drill gaps to test a Chargers offensive line thinned by injuries. Rivers has a quick release and has been sacked 13 times this season. It’s essential that Miami put pressure on him, putting this game on the Dolphins’ front seven.

While banking on its defense, Miami has to get the offense clicking early. The Dolphins might even force the issue with WR Mike Wallace, who voiced frustration this week with his lack of vertical opportunities.

QB Ryan Tannehill has been better facing zone schemes, but he’ll get a heavy dose of tight man coverage from the Chargers. His playmaking ability will be needed outside the pocket.

*Matchup to watch – Chargers OGs Chris Watt and Johnnie Troutman vs. Dolphins DE Olivier Vernon: Watt, a rookie, and Troutman are rotating at right guard and coach Mike McCoy plans to stick with the hot hand – if the Chargers get their sputtering ground game going. Vernon has 10.5 sacks in the past 14 games. He’s a terror because of his size, strength and agility.

*Player spotlight – Dolphins LB Jelani Jenkins: The supersub remains the team’s leader in tackles (53) by a wide margin and one of the pleasant surprises for the Dolphins this season. He’ll be a huge part of the game plan to slow down Chargers RBs Branden Oliver and Donald Brown.

*Fast facts: Rivers need 418 yards to reach 35,000 career passing yards. … Miami plays four teams with a winning record in November. … The Dolphins are 14-1 when Tannehill has a passer rating of 90 or better.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Confidence is slipping in the Chargers’ running game but with Rivers’ quick trigger, San Diego can dominate the ball with long drives made up of short, high-percentage passes. Miami needs a mistake-free Tannehill to match the veteran, and should be able to exploit the San Diego offensive line.

*Our pick: Chargers 23-20