Quick Take: Redskins/Chargers

Published: Dec 29, 2009 at 11:29 AM

In Brief

» Last meeting: LaDainian Tomlinson scored on a 41-yard touchdown run in overtime to lift the Chargers past the Redskins, 23-17, in Week 12 of the 2005 season.
» Streaks: After dropping their first six to the Redskins, the Chargers have won two in a row.
» Last week: San Diego rocked Tennessee on Christmas night, 42-17. ... Washington was shut out by rival Dallas, 17-0.

Keep your eye on ...Philip Rivers' MVP bid: While Peyton Manning may have the award wrapped up by now, Rivers can still leave a strong final impression on voters' minds with another outstanding performance. He should be able to do so against a Redskins defense that has suddenly fallen apart over the last two weeks.

Shawne Merriman's excitement: Merriman was born in Washington DC, grew up in suburban Maryland and attended the University of Maryland. For only the second time in his career, he will have an opportunity to compete against his hometown team. He has had a bit of a disappointing season with only four sacks, but all that can be forgotten if he can use this game as a springboard for an outstanding playoff run.

Jason Campbell's last stand: Washington's quarterback will be a restricted free agent after the season, and it remains to be seen whether the Redskins will bring him back next year. He has one final chance to show Washington and the rest of the league that he is worthy of being a starting quarterback by coming up big in San Diego.

Did you know?

The Redskins are the only team in the league with two players who have at least 11 sacks this season. ... Washington's Santana Moss needs 153 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the fourth time in his career. ... San Diego's Nate Kaeding leads the AFC in points with 135. ... The Chargers are locked in as the AFC's No. 2 seed.

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