Tomlinson's injury woes have put additional pressure on quarterback Philip Rivers (1183 passing yards, 4 INT), but the hard-nosed former first-round pick hasn't faltered even with the added responsibility. Rivers' 103.0 passer rating and 11 touchdown throws trail only Brett Favre for tops in the league so far this year, although he's coming off a shaky showing against the Dolphins in which he completed just 13-of-28 attempts for a season-low 159 yards. The heady signal-caller won't have one of his best targets available on Sunday, however, as wideout Chris Chambers (11 receptions, 5 TD) sprained an ankle in the Miami game and will sit out this week. The Chargers will need 2007 first-round selection Craig Davis (4 receptions) to step up opposite the talented Vincent Jackson (17 receptions, 1 TD) with Chambers out, and hope that difference-making tight end Antonio Gates (16 receptions, 3 TD) can shake off the injury bug as well. The four-time Pro Bowl choice has been bothered by a hip pointer recently and managed just one catch a week ago.

There's little doubt that Tomlinson (331 rushing yards, 4 TD, 15 receptions) will get himself ready to play on Sunday, but how effective he'll be remains a question. The highly-decorated running back put up 106 yards and two scores on his ailing toe in a win at Oakland in Week 4, but failed to show the same burst against Miami's underrated defense. The Chargers do have a capable understudy in the diminutive Darren Sproles (130 rushing yards, 6 receptions, 1 TD), who's averaging five yards a carry in spot duty and doubles as an electrifying return man. San Diego is just 21st in the league with an average of 98.6 rushing yards per game.

The Chargers hope to get their ground attack untracked against a New England defense that's been uncharacteristically soft against the run early on. Miami churned out a whopping 216 rushing yards in its startling rout of the Pats in Week 3, and the group is allowing a subpar 4.9 yards per carry over its four games. Veteran Rodney Harrison (36 tackles, 1 INT) leads the team in tackles and remains in the upper echelon of run-stopping strong safeties at age 35, while rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo (27 tackles) has added a needed infusion of youthful talent to an aging front seven.

New England has been more adept at defending the pass this year, having given up a very respectable 175.3 yards per game (8th overall) and stone-walling San Francisco's attempts to throw the ball last week. The Patriots held the 49ers to a paltry 122 passing yards and intercepted quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan three times. Corner Ellis Hobbs (13 tackles, 1 INT, 1 sack) and second-year nickel back Brandon Meriweather (14 tackles, 2 INT) have been strong in coverage, while outside linebackers Adalius Thomas (17 tackles, 3 sacks) and Mike Vrabel (14 tackles, 2 sacks) are proven pass rushers who will be put in charge of pressuring Rivers.

FANTASY FOCUS

Tomlinson may not have lived up to his billing as the consensus top overall choice in fantasy drafts, but his track record alone makes him unquestionably worthy of starting even if he's less than 100 percent physically. Rivers has shown flashes of being a top-tier quarterback through the season's first month, and he's thrown six touchdown passes in San Diego's two home games this year. Feel free to use him in your lineups this week, as well as Gates and Jackson at the tight end and wide receiver spots. On the New England side, Moss owners have been awaiting a matchup this juicy for their fantasy stud for weeks now. With the Chargers' problems defending the pass, the potential exists for big days out of Moss and Welker. Cassel's inconsistency doesn't make the inexperienced quarterback anything more than a bye-week substitute, however, and New England's running back situation is a mess right now. Morris and Faulk have been the first in line for goal-line carries and make the most attractive options, although neither is a particularly great alternative.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

The Chargers have likely had this game circled on their calendars ever since the schedule was released, and Turner's troops figure to be a fired-up bunch come Sunday. While San Diego's defensive problems cannot be overlooked, the Patriots haven't shown the firepower on offense to fully take advantage in a tough road setting. New England's defense will keep the score within reach, and it's foolish to count out a Belichick-coached team under any circumstances. Still, San Diego's overall talent level and home-field advantage should be enough to keep its lofty expectations for this season alive.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Chargers 24, Patriots 20

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