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Chris Chambers returns to Miami with the Chargers, looking for third straight win

Two weeks ago, Sunday’s Week 5 game at Miami would have seemed to be a day at South Beach for the Chargers. But after the Dolphins’ shocking blowout of the Patriots in Foxborough in Week 3, the Fins are obviously thinking upset.

The key, as it has been all year, will be the Chargers' front seven. Dolphins statue-esque QB Chad Pennington isn’t going to be confused with Michael Vick anytime soon, so the Bolts could have a big day with the pass rush and make things difficult for the running back duo of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. But if Pennington can have time to throw, his accuracy might be able to give San Diego, and its league-worst 32nd ranked passing defense, trouble.

For as poorly as the defense has played, Philip Rivers has been equally as stellar. His 10 touchdown passes ranks second in the NFL, as does his 109.8 QB Rating. With LT and his bout of turf toe getting healthier every week, the offense should continue to cruise.

One of the storylines that you should pay attention to is Bolts WR Chris Chambers’ return to Miami. Chambers spent his first 6½ years with the Dolphins before being traded to San Diego for a second-round pick last season.

Chambers is leading the Chargers in touchdown receptions this season with four, and is one off the league lead. The team would love to see him find the end zone again against his old squad. Look for all of the Chargers' receiving threats to try and exploit an aging Dolphins secondary.

Miami is coming off a bye week, and should be well rested. They will more than likely still have some momentum after their big win over the Patriots. Meanwhile, the Chargers will look to keep their winning streak going. Last week’s fourth-quarter comeback in Oakland showed that though this team may get behind, they have enough pride and talent to be in every game. This one will be closer than some think, but San Diego should filet the Fins.

Prediction: San Diego 24, Miami 20

Eric Yates, much like the rest of the city, isn’t a native San Diegan. He’s been here for the past eight years and has adopted the Padres and Chargers as his own. Serving as a full-time and freelance sportswriter while in San Diego, he’s covered the beat for both the Padres and Chargers. A sports fanatic, his crowning achievement as a fan was appearing on the ESPN game show Stump the Schwab and coming within one question of toppling the big guy.

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