Game facts: Chargers at Panthers

Finding the spark:Melvin Gordon is the first player to rush for 10 TD in a season after rushing for 0 TD the year before. 

Thriving off takeaways: The Chargers have 24 takeaways this year (2nd in NFL), and the Panthers offense has 23 giveaways (4th most).

Fighting for No. 1:Philip Rivers is 0-2 against the Panthers despite throwing for 4 TDs and 0 INTs in their meetings. 

Rookie rising:Joey Bosa is 2nd on the team with 5.5 sacks despite missing the first four games.  

December dominance:Philip Rivers is 32-13 in December since 2006, second only to Tom Brady in wins (34).