Chargers vs. Browns preview, prediction: WR Quentin Johnston returns from injury
Chargers (4-3) AT Browns (2-6)
When: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Huntington Bank Field
TV: CBS-2 (Los Angeles), CBS-8 (San Diego), Paramount+ (streaming)
Radio: Los Angeles: KYSR-FM (98.7), LA Spanish: 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (LA Spanish)
Line: Chargers by -2
Notable injury designations: Chargers: OUT: CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring), WR Brenden Rice (shoulder). Doubtful: TE Stone Smartt (ankle). Questionable: WR DJ Chark (groin), OLB Joey Bosa (hip), LB Denzel Perryman (toe)
Browns: Out: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) LB Jordan Hicks (elbow, triceps). Questionable: CB Denzel Ward (concussion),LB Khaleke Hudson (ankle)
What's at stake? For the Chargers, this is an AFC matchup, so with the race being so tight for playoff spots they will need every AFC victory they can get.
For the Browns, it is an opportunity to show fans and the NFL that they believe in themselves. Now with Jameis Winston at quarterback they can make a run.
Who's better? The Chargers. They have a better quarterback and roster. The Browns have some talented players but overall the Chargers have a better team.
Matchup to watch: Slater/Alt vs. Myles Garrett/Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have one of, if not the best, passing rushing duos in the NFL. The Chargers have a top three tackle duo. It is going to be a Ali versus Frazier type of fight.
Chargers win if: they can throw Winston off his game. The Ravens dropped several potential interceptions last weekend. The Chargers can’t afford to suffer the same fate. They need confuse Winston and force him into mistakes.
Fantasy sleeper: Quentin Johnston. He returns to the lineup after missing two games. Johnston has developed a good relationship with Herbert, so in his return he will have a solid contribution.
Prediction: Low scoring games have been the staple of the Chargers season. This will be a tight game but the Chargers really need this victory. Chargers 23 Browns 17.