The Los Angeles Chargers (0-4) head to MetLife Stadium for a rare visit with the New York Giants (0-4). Kickoff from the Meadowlands is set for 10:00 a.m. PT.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
Philip Rivers faces off against the team that initially drafted him for the third time in his career. Number 17 has completed 95 of 150 passes (63.3-percent) for 1,107 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions for an 87.8 passer rating. Keenan Allen has reclaimed his spot as the team's most reliable wideout, eclipsing the 100-yard receiving barrier twice in four games. KA13's caught 24 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown. He ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards and tied for eighth in receptions. Meanwhile, Tyrell Williams has hauled in 16 passes for 238 yards, including a 75-yard TD, while Travis Benjamin has 11 catches for 180 yards and one score. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon has paced the rushing attack with 54 carries for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Branden Oliver has chipped in with 17 carries for 58 yards, while Austin Ekeler took his only attempt of the year 35 yards to the house.
On Offense for the Giants
Eli Manning leads Big Blue's attack, completing 116 of 166 attempts (69.9-percent) for 1,113 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions for a 90.3 passer rating. His top weapon is Odell Beckham Jr., who has established himself as one of the top playmakers in the NFL. The wide receiver has caught 20 passes for 205 yards and a pair of TDs. The Giants' leading receiver is second-year wideout Sterling Shepard, who paces the team with 21 receptions and 254 yards. In addition, first-round pick Evan Engram has emerged as a dangerous tight end, catching 19 balls for 200 yards and a score. On the ground, Paul Perkins leads New York's committee with 32 carries for 61 yards. Meanwhile, Orleans Darkwa has carried the rock 13 times for 53 yards, while Shane Vereen (12 for 47) and Wayne Gallman (11 for 42) have gotten in on the action as well.
On Defense for the Chargers
Despite being held without a sack for the first time all season a week ago, Melvin Ingram still leads the AFC and ranks second in the entire NFL with 5.5 on the year. He's followed by fellow defensive ends Chris McCain (3.0) and Joey Bosa (2.5) as playmakers along the defensive front. Meanwhile, Jatavis Brown's 41 tackles are the second-most in the NFL while Casey Hayward is tied for fifth in passes defensed with six.
On Defense for the Giants
Pro Bowl and All-Pro safety Landon Collins paces the Giants defense with 29 tackles. He's joined in a dangerous secondary by cornerbacks Eli Apple, Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Up front, New York boasts a talented pair of pass rushers in Olivier Vernon (2.0 sacks) and Jason Pierre-Paul (1.5).
Series History
The Chargers hold a 6-5 edge in the all-time series against the Giants, although they are 3-3 in games played in New York. The Bolts have won the last three times the teams have squared off.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank 15th in total offense (336.5 yards per game), sixth in passing (269.0 ypg), 29th in rushing (67.5 ypg) and 24th in points (18.0). The Giants rank 19th in total offense (324.2 ypg), seventh in passing (265.0 ypg), 31st in rushing (59.2 ypg) and 30th in points (15.0).
Defensively, the Bolts rank 23rd in total defense (355.5 ypg), sixth in passing (192.0 ypg), 31st in rushing (163.5 ypg) and 23rd in points allowed (23.2). New York ranks 25th in total defense (359.2 ypg), 14th in passing (216.5 ypg), 28th in rushing (142.8 ypg) and 25th in points allowed (23.8).
Milestones on the Horizon
Philip Rivers ranks 11th all-time for career passing yards with 46,940. He needs 64 yards to pass Fran Tarkenton for 10th all-time. Rivers is also 83 completions away from passing Warren Moon (3,988) for eighth all-time.
Melvin Gordon has 1,806 career rushing yards. He needs 194 to reach 2,000 for his career, and 445 to push his way into the team's all-time Top 10. Currently, Gary Anderson is 10th with 2,250.
Gordon sports 12 career rushing touchdowns. He'll need five more to move into the team's all-time Top 10. Currently, Hank Bauer, Rod Bernstine, Dick Post and Clarence Williams are tied for ninth with 17.
Antonio Gates is 14 receptions shy of tying Torry Holt for 20th most catches in NFL history.
Noteworthy vs. the Giants
Keenan Allen made the most of his three receptions against the Giants late in his rookie season as he caught two touchdowns, including a 43-yarder to open the scoring in the first quarter.
Antonio Gates has faced the Giants three times in his career, catching 15 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He has averaged 13.9 yards per reception against New York, and has had five or more receptions in each contest. In his first career matchup against the Giants on Sept. 25, 2003, Gates caught six passes for 92 yards and one score.
Philip Rivers has faced the Giants twice in his career. He has thrown for 458 yards and six touchdowns to two interceptions while holding a 70.3 completion percentage. In his first career matchup against the Giants on Nov. 8, 2009, Philip Rivers connected with Vincent Jackson for an 18-yard score with 21 seconds left to pull out the come-from-behind victory by the score of 21-20. Rivers accounted for all three touchdowns in that 2009 game as he was 24 for-36 with 209 yards. In the Dec. 8, 2013 game, Rivers was 21 of 28 passing for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Rivers posted a rating of 137.4 in the 37-14 victory.
Connections
FORMER CHARGERS
Giants QB Eli Manning was drafted first overall by the Chargers in the 2004 draft. He was traded to the Giants for a package of picks that included QB Philip Rivers, who was the No. 4 overall selection that year.
Giants G D.J. Fluker was a first-round draft pick (11th overall) for the Chargers in the 2013 draft and played with the Chargers from 2013-16.
FORMER GIANTS
Chargers QB Philip Rivers was drafted fourth overall by the Giants in the 2004 draft. He was traded in a package to the Chargers for QB Eli Manning, who was the No. 1 overall selection that year.
Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by New York in 1992.
Chargers Defensive Backs Coach Ron Milus coached for the Giants from 2004-05.
HOMETOWNS
Chargers K Younghoe Koo is from Ridgewood, N.J.
Chargers Wide Receivers Coach Nick Sirianni is from Jamestown, N.Y.
Chargers Assistant Offensive Line Coach James Cregg is from Syracuse, N.Y.
Giants DE Avery Moss is from Compton, Calif.
Giants T Chad Wheeler is from Santa Monica, Calif.
Giants Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn is from Tustin, Calif.
Broadcast Information
CBS – Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst) and Evan Washburn (sideline)
KFI-AM 640 – Matt "Money" Smith (play-by-play), Nick Hardwick (analyst) and Shannon Farren (sideline)
Spanish Radio: KFWB – AM 980 - Jorge Villanueva (play-by-play) and Tony Alvarez (analyst)
Chargers radio broadcasts throughout the season will be able to be heard across 11 radio stations from Southern California to Nevada. Fans can listen in English on KGB-FM and KLSD AM (San Diego), KNWZ-AM (Palm Springs), KALZ-AM (Fresno), KBFP-AM (Bakersfield), KNWH-FM (Yucca Valley), KRLV-FM (Las Vegas), KRAK-AM (Victorville/Hesperia), KATY-FM (San Bernardino) and KPLY-AM (Reno). Spanish broadcasts can be heard on XHFG-FM (San Diego).
