Battle for LA: Why the winless Chargers could shock the Rams at SoFi Stadium

The Playbook

Welcome to the Battle for Los Angeles. The LA Derby. El Tráfico. Wait, wrong sport.

Whatever you want to call Sunday’s showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and LA Chargers, there’s something inherently ridiculous about calling it a road game when the visiting team has its own locker room, its own sideline and its own name plastered across the same stadium.

Only in Los Angeles could two NFL franchises share a home and still argue over who owns the neighborhood.

For the Rams (3-4), Sunday’s matchup at SoFi Stadium represents an opportunity to do something they haven’t accomplished all season: win back-to-back games.

For the Chargers (0-6), it’s an opportunity to finally win a game, period.

The Rams appeared headed toward an early-season funeral before Sean McVay delivered his finest coaching performance of the year in last Sunday’s 35-21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After weeks of questionable play-calling, conservative decisions and special teams disasters, McVay finally remembered he employs two pretty good running backs.

Kyren Williams and Blake Corum nearly rushed for 100 yards apiece, combining to spearhead a ground attack that produced nearly 200 yards. The Rams converted all five red-zone opportunities and finally put up the kind of all-around performance we’ve been waiting for.

Funny what happens when you stop getting cute and start punching people in the mouth.

Matthew Stafford threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the Rams’ all-time leader in touchdown passes and the first quarterback in NFL history to simultaneously hold that distinction for two different franchises.

More importantly, the Rams rediscovered an offensive identity that has taken seven weeks to finally unveil itself.

They’ll need it against a Chargers defense that’s considerably more dangerous than its 25.2 points allowed per game suggests.

The Bolts rank third in opponent third-down conversion percentage, boast a top-10 red-zone defense and have forced 10 turnovers. Their secondary remains formidable, although the potential absence of All-Pro safety Derwin James could change the complexion of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers’ offense, meanwhile, has been about as reliable as a screen door on a submarine.

Justin Herbert has thrown eight interceptions against just five touchdowns, owns the NFL’s second-worst passer rating and gets sacked constantly. The Chargers average just 15 points per game, ranking among the league’s worst offenses despite hiring Mike McDaniel to revitalize the attack.

Their offensive line has been decimated by injuries, with four rookies occupying starting positions recently. Joe Alt’s expected return could provide relief, while receiver Ladd McConkey is out of concussion protocol and expected to be back on the field.

Both teams have been decimated by injuries this season, but despite missing Myles Garrett, Poona Ford and Kobie Turner, Los Angeles held the Raiders to just 48 rushing yards last Sunday. The anticipated returns of linebacker Nate Landman and cornerback Trent McDuffie should provide another boost as well.

Jim Harbaugh has enjoyed an extra week to prepare following the Chargers’ bye week. All-time, Harbaugh is 5-1 off a bye as an NFL head coach and the Chargers have won both games immediately following a bye since he arrived in 2024.

What does that mean?

It means this could be a trap game for the Rams.

The Rams also know what happens when they underestimate an inferior opponent. Two weeks ago, the lowly Arizona Cardinals walked into SoFi Stadium and left with an 18-16 upset.

For all their offensive firepower, the Rams remain a losing football team that has yet to prove it can sustain success.

Sunday offers another chance to change that narrative.

Marquee Matchup

Rams defensive line vs. Chargers offensive line

If there’s one matchup that could determine Sunday’s outcome it’s the battle of the line of scrimmage. Or more specifically, Rams’ injury-riddled defensive front against the Chargers’ battered offensive line.

The Chargers have allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL this season and Justin Herbert’s protection is as brittle as a three-month old bar of soap.

The expected return of Joe Alt should help, but one healthy lineman won’t necessarily repair an entire protection scheme.

However, the Rams are among the NFL’s worst when it comes to sacking the quarterback. Byron Young leads the team in sacks with 4.5, nearly half their total of 10 on the season. That’s the fourth-worst mark in the NFL.

Even without Garrett, Ford, and Turner, the rest of the Rams defensive front has enough talent to make Herbert uncomfortable. We’re looking at you, Aaron Donald.

If the Rams consistently collapse the pocket without sacrificing coverage, Herbert could spend another Sunday running for his life.

Duarte’s Decision

Chargers 26, Rams 19

I’m still not convinced this Chargers team is this bad. Yes, they are winless. Yes, they haven’t covered a spread all season and Herbert is a turnover machine.

So naturally, I’m picking them to win this game.

Call it the due theory, a contrarian gamble or sheer stupidity. Harbaugh is 2-0 coming off a bye with the Chargers, while the Rams haven’t won consecutive games all season.

Los Angeles also hasn’t covered consecutive spreads in its last 12 games, including the playoffs.

Besides, I picked against the Rams last week and they won. Maybe another prediction of doom is exactly what McVay needs to get back to .500.

Key Stat

21

That’s the number of sacks the Chargers have allowed this season. It’s the third-most in the NFL and one of the main reasons why Herbert is off to the worst start to a season in his NFL career. 

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