Why Los Angeles Chargers will beat Dolphins, why they won’t, and a prediction

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The Los Angeles Chargers hit the road and hope to stop a two-game skid while visiting the Miami Dolphins in Week 6. 

Normally, the prospects of squaring off with a 1-4 team wouldn’t be nearly as scary, but the Chargers have some serious injury woes chasing them into the game. 

Here’s a look at whether the Chargers will or won’t beat the Dolphins, plus a final prediction. 

RELATED: Chargers ‘canvassing the league’ for possible starter ahead of NFL trade deadline

Why Chargers will beat Dolphins

The Chargers still have the better quarterback all these years later. Justin Herbert had some MVP-like performances when his line was healthy, including an added ability as a runner. Tua Tagovailoa has completed 70.7 percent of his passes, but isn’t elevating the Dolphins right now, which includes losses to bad New England and Carolina teams. A defense that just added pass-rusher Odafe Oweh via trade should be able to keep the Dolphins in check, too. 

Why Chargers won’t beat Dolphins

This is one of those weird cross-country, early East Coast kickoffs for the Chargers, which presents some problems. Herbert’s offensive line is a massive disaster due to injuries, too, and he’s missing not only his top two running backs, but also likely Quentin Johnston. And despite his faults, Tagovailoa is good for a random outburst. The Chargers pass-rush won’t have Khalil Mack and is struggling enough that the front office made a trade at all, so it’s exploitable. 

RELATED: Chargers proposed trade for 3-time All-Pro WR by NFL analysts would be bold

Chargers vs. Dolphins prediction

The Chargers have been road favorites all week in this one for a reason, even despite the shocking number of injuries for the road team. Herbert is playing that well through it all and more often than not, the Jesse Minter-coordinated defense is super reliable. This might get ugly and need some late Herbert heroics, but the Chargers figure to get back on track. 

Prediction: Chargers 27, Dolphins 24

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