Below are 10 quick-hitting insights entering the Chargers’ Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals:
1) A win Sunday against the Bengals would ensure the Chargers’ first double digit-win season since 2009 (13-3), and fourth in team history. It would also clinch a playoff spot if the following teams lose or tie in Week 14: Tennessee (vs. Jacksonville), Miami (vs. New England), Indianapolis (at Houston) and Denver (at San Francisco).
2) Entering Week 14, the Chargers, Chiefs and Rams are the only teams to have scored at least 20 points in every game this season.
3) Sunday will be the Bengals’ first game in Los Angeles since Jan. 13, 1991 when they played the Raiders in a divisional playoff game at the L.A. Coliseum (Raiders won 20-10).
4) Wide receiver Keenan Allen has caught a touchdown in a career-high four-straight games, with a chance to make it five straight on Sunday. Allen was targeted a career-high 19 times against the Steelers and hauled in 14 balls – the second-most he’s ever caught in a game.
5) Allen has put together a four-game stretch from Weeks 10-13 that looks very similar to last season in the catch/target/TD department. 2017: 39 catches on 49 targets and four touchdowns; 2018: 36 catches on 47 targets and four touchdowns.
6) Marvin Lewis has been head coach of the Bengals (2003) longer than quarterback Philip Rivers has been in the NFL (drafted 2004).
7) Rivers remains the only quarterback who has thrown multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. Two more touchdowns on Sunday puts him in the company of Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers as the only players to have done it in 13 consecutive games to start a season, per NFL Communications.
8) Last Sunday against Pittsburgh, Rivers improved his career record in December to 37-18. He’s 13-13 all-time against the AFC North, with a chance to move above .500 with a win over the Bengals.
9) Two of the best young safeties in the league will share the field on Sunday. Derwin James leads Los Angeles in tackles (81), passes defensed (12) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions (3). Fellow rookie Jessie Bates leads the Bengals in tackles (87) and also has three interceptions this season.
10) Week 14’s game against Cincinnati will be the Chargers’ last Sunday game until Week 17. Los Angeles plays back-to-back nationally televised games in Weeks 15 (Thursday, 12/13 at KC) and 16 (Saturday, 12/22 vs. Baltimore).
Bolts Show Off Cleats For a Cause
Chargers players participating in the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative pose with uniquely designed cleats supporting their cause.
Melvin Gordon supporting the Beyond the Flash Foundation, which provides economically challenged students with the resources to succeed.
Mike Pouncey supporting Team Pouncey Foundation, which provides programs fostering leadership and growth opportunities to underprivileged children.
Desmond King supporting Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness.
Virgil Green supporting the Green Family Foundation, which shares Christian values through community programs including athletic training.
Isaac Rochell supporting #SeeYouOnSunday, a campaign encouraging not utilizing social media on Saturdays.
Travis Benjamin supporting Susan G. Komen, which funds breast cancer research and awareness.
Dylan Cantrell supporting Project Purple, which funds pancreatic cancer research and awareness.
Russell Okung supporting Tech Access for Low-Income.
Chris Landrum supporting Project Purple, which funds pancreatic cancer research and awareness.
Detrez Newsome supporting the National Down Syndrome Society, an organization that offers support to people with Down syndrome and their families.
Trent Scott supporting the NFL Player Care Foundation, which helps retired players improve their quality of life.
Nick Dzubnar supporting the 17 Strong Foundation, which funds trips for young adults who have suffered from catastrophic illnesses.
Cole Toner supporting Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Hayes Pullard supporting Women Like Us, an organization working to combat human trafficking.
Michael Schofield supporting Jane's Warriors, an organization that provides scholarships and support for junior high and high school swimmers.
Dan Feeney supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Sean Culkin supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Brandon Facyson supporting uterine cancer awareness.
Scott Quessenberry supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Rayshawn Jenkins supporting the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
Geno Smith supporting the BLOOM Initiative, which aids young black men who are at risk with mentoring and character development opportunities.
Mike Windt supporting Alex's Lemonade Stand, a pediatric cancer charity dedicated to raising money for research and awareness.
