Chargers at Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers try to continue their offensive surge when they host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Tampa Bay scored more than 22 points just once in its first four games, going 1-3 in the process. Following their bye week, the Buccaneers have won three of four contests, scoring 28 points in the loss while registering at least 36 in each victory.
After losing by a touchdown at home against New Orleans on Oct. 21, Tampa Bay posted road wins at Minnesota and Oakland, scoring a combined 78 points. It looks for its third straight triumph against San Diego, which has allowed a total of 20 points over its last two games. The Chargers snapped a three-game losing streak on Nov. 1 with a 31-13 victory over Kansas City as Philip Rivers completed 18 of 20 passes for 220 yards with two touchdowns.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Buccaneers -3, O/U 47.5.
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (4-4): Rivers' performance against the Chiefs marked the sixth time in NFL history that a quarterback had a completion percentage of at least 90 percent while attempting a minimum of 20 passes. He threw a career high-tying four touchdown passes in his only previous meeting with Tampa Bay in 2008. Tight end Antonio Gates needs two TD receptions to tie Lance Alworth (81) for the most in team history. San Diego is fourth against the run with 87.4 yards allowed per game.
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (4-4): Tampa Bay has found a keeper in running back Doug Martin, who set a franchise record by rushing for 251 yards in last Sunday's win at Oakland. A first-round pick out of Boise State, the rookie fell 45 yards short of matching Adrian Peterson's single-game record. The Buccaneers have allowed a league-low 77.3 rushing yards per game. However, they have yielded a league-high 321.1 passing yards per contest. Former Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson is averaging a league-best 22.9 yards per catch. Quarterback Josh Freeman has thrown 11 TD passes and just one interception over his last four games.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Martin became the first player in NFL history to have three touchdown runs of at least 45 yards in one game.
2. The Chargers are 2-4 in their last six games, with both victories coming against Kansas City.
3. San Diego has won eight of the nine meetings in the all-time series, including all five visits to Tampa Bay.
PREDICTION: Chargers 34, Buccaneers 27.