The Chargers really need to win this football game as they are 1-1 on the season and have not looked too good doing it.  The Packers are off to an outstanding start of the season as they are 2-0 having outscored their opponents 51-26 in those games.  Look for the Chargers to attack the Packers defense with the running game.  The Packers have allowed 98.5 yards rushing per game and 4.4 yards per carry so the Chargers should find some success there.  LaDainian Tomlinson is off to a rough start as he has carried the ball 35 times for 68 yards (1.9 ypc) with 1 TD run in his first two games.  In his defense the Chargers played the Patriots and the Bears who have two of the better defenses in the entire NFL.  The Chargers must get the running game going against the Packers so they can slow the Packers pass rush a little bit.  The offensive line must keep DEs Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins out of the backfield or Philip Rivers could be in for another long day as the Chargers have already allowed 6 sacks this season.  TE Antonio Gates (16 rec, 184 yards, 2 TDs) and RB LaDainian Tomlinson (11 rec, 66 yards) have been the top receivers for the Chargers this season but the Packers will be focusing on them so WRs Vincent Jackson (7 rec, 81 yards) and rookie Criag Davis (2 rec, 15 yards) must step up for the Chargers offense to be effective.

The Packers will need to run the football better than they have all season long against the Chargers or they will bring the house on the pass rush against Brett Favre.  Rookie running backs DeShawn Wynn (11 car, 58 yards, 2 TDs) and Brandon Jackson (32 car, 75 yards, 2.3 ypc) must balance the offense against a Chargers defense that is allowing 112.0 yards rushing per game.  The Packers must get good protection from the OTs because the Chargers will be bringing the heat with OLBs Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman.  If the Packers get good pass protection from the O-Line, Brett Favre should be able to cut up the Chargers’ secondary that is allowing 68.5% completions and 192.5 yards passing per game.  Look for Favre to use Donald Driver (14 rec, 139 yards, TD) and TEs Donald Lee (8 rec, 62 yards, TD) and Bubba Franks (6 rec, 37 yards, TD) a lot on short passes.  WR James Jones hurt himself in practice this week and he will likely be a gametime decision.

PREDICTION:  The Chargers will play much better than they have all season long and they will beat the Packers in a close game that will likely be decided late on a Nate Kaeding field goal.