5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Giants in Week 4

Sep 26, 2025 at 12:27 PM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

The Chargers are back on the road in Week 4 for a date with the New York Giants.

Kickoff is at 10 a.m. (PT) from MetLife Stadium.

The Chargers-Giants betting line shows the Bolts are the favorites on Sunday.

Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 4.

1. A perfect 1^st quarter?

The first quarter of the Chargers 2025 season comes to a close on Sunday.

And the Bolts have a chance to get continue their perfect start by moving to 4-0 on the year.

"That's major. I haven't been 4-0 yet in the NFL so I'm trying to do everything I can to help us get to 4-0," Derwin James, Jr. said. "One play at a time."

Despite being 3-0, even with those wins all coming against AFC West foes, players and coaches said this week they will be on high alert against an 0-3 Giants team that is turning to rookie Jaxson Dart at quarterback.

"You treat every team the same," James said.

Daiyan Henley added: "We just want to make sure we stay levelheaded."

If the Chargers do get to 4-0, it would be the first such start since 2002.

Plus, a 4-0 start would obviously be a boost to the Bolts early-season playoff chances.

According to data provided by the NFL, teams that have started 4-0 since 1990 have an 84.5-percent chance of making the playoffs. 3-1 teams, meanwhile, are at 65.5 percent.

A key area to keep an eye on Sunday is in the red zone.

The Chargers defense ranks first in red-zone touchdown percentage at just 25 percent while the Bolts offense is 29th at just 40 percent.

The Giants defense is tied for 29th at 80 percent while the New York offense is 31st at just 20 percent.

If the Bolts can win this battle in Week 4, chances are they come away with the win.

"[We're] right where we want to be, but also it's winning and having things we can improve," Harbaugh said. "That's the spot you want to climb from."

Bud Dupree added: "[It's about] staying hungry. Come out with an edge, with something on your shoulder. No one is getting complacent."

2. Hampton ready for bigger role

Omarion Hampton, you're up.

The Chargers rookie was already viewed as the Bolts featured running back, but he will take on a larger role going forward after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

"Just kind of a step-up thing," Hampton said this week. "I've got to step up for my teammates, be there for my teammates."

Hampton's coaches believe he's ready for the challenge, especially coming off a 25-touch, 129-yard performance against the Broncos that saw the first-round pick score his first NFL touchdown.

"I think for sure he's going to be the featured back, but I don't think we're going to ask him to play every play," Roman said. "Overall, we're going to plan accordingly and try to get a mix going there. I thought he played outstanding, made huge plays for us, ran physical, was great in the passing game.

"He's improved so much in the passing game since the day he got here and he's still got a long way to go, which is a beautiful thing," Roman added. "I thought he was amazing, really was. Loves to compete, loves to work and he's just going to keep getting better and better and better as we go."

Harbaugh added: "I could tell that he was getting that rhythm of pro football. He's competitive in the way that he likes it. He wants to be out there. I don't know if we need to be hunting around for any back right now. I think they're in the building."

Look for Hassan Haskins to get a bigger role in the backfield alongside Hampton. And second-year running back Kimani Vidal could be elevated off the practice squad to give the Bolts more depth, too.

The Chargers run game will look to get going against a Giants defense that ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (153.3) so far this year.

"I feel like we got all the pieces we need here. I'm ready," Haskins said. "Whenever my name is called, whatever situation, whatever predicament we're in I'm ready for whatever to help the team win."

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3. A look at the Giants front

The Chargers will be without Mekhi Becton on Sunday as the starting right guard won't play with a concussion.

That means Jamaree Salyer will likely be in the starting lineup after playing 55 snaps in Becton's place against the Broncos.

"Play good, which he's capable of doing," Harbaugh said Friday about expectations for Salyer. "He's put a lot into his training ... he's ready to roll."

Chargers center Bradley Bozeman is questionable with a back injury. If he can't go, Andre James would likely start.

That situation bears watching considering the Giants boast one of the league's most talented groups at rushing the passer.

"Great front. I don't know if there's a better one," Harbaugh said.

Brian Burns leads the Giants with 4.0 sacks while Kayvon Thibodeaux has 1.5 and rookie Abdul Carter has 0.5 sacks.

All three players were first-round picks, and Carter was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

And we haven't even mentioned defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, a fellow first-rounder who is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro selection.

"These guys are really good at every position, starting in the middle," Roman said of Lawrence. "That guy is an immovable object.

"Then the edges, those guys are special talents. [Carter], the rookie, 51, they're doing a lot with him, trying to get him involved, trying to get their best players on the field," Roman added. "They're doing a nice job with that. there's a lot to consider and our guys are buckled down, they're an extremely good front."

The Chargers offensive line battled against a stout Denver front and did just enough at the end to secure a win.

It will likely take a similar effort against a talented Giants defense.