Overview

• Los Angeles (3-2) plays at Miami (1-4) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS at Hard Rock Stadium.
• Betting markets lean to the Chargers at roughly -3.5 to -4.5, and most national pick panels side with L.A., though some local writers see upset potential.
• The Chargers’ offense is thinned with RB Omarion Hampton on IR and Najee Harris out, LT Rashawn Slater lost for the season, RT Joe Alt dealing with an ankle injury, and G Mekhi Becton managing a hand issue, while Justin Herbert has been sacked 16–17 times and the passing game has cooled.
• Miami continues without Tyreek Hill as Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller carry the passing load, Tua Tagovailoa was limited in practice with thumb and hip issues, and the Dolphins enter with the NFL’s worst run defense at about 174 yards allowed per game.
• Context favors a close contest with a West-to-East trip and a 10 a.m. Pacific body-clock kickoff for L.A., a strong recent home record for Miami under Mike McDaniel (19-8), and a Chargers history of struggles in South Florida.