NFL Picks Week 4: Why San Diego Chargers Will Destroy Miami Dolphins

Despite being 2-1, the San Diego Chargers have not looked like a safe bet so far this season. Right now the Bolts need a slump-buster, and on Sunday they get the gift of a home game against the 0-3 Miami Dolphins.

As always, the Chargers are led by quarterback Philip Rivers, who has had a tough start. The three-time Pro Bowler has completed 86-of-126 passes (68.3 percent) for 979 yards, but has just four touchdowns against six interceptions. Rivers has been shaky when pressured, which is not a characteristic he has shown in the past. He is typically one of the league's most accurate quarterbacks and rarely gets rattled.

Luckily for Rivers, Vincent Jackson has reemerged as a go-to threat. Jackson has already caught 17 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns. His rare combination of size and speed has given his quarterback some leeway when throwing his direction.

Second-year running back Ryan Mathews has also looked capable of being a full-time ball carrier this season. Mathews has rushed for 207 yards on just 45 attempts, while scoring three touchdowns.

All of those elements give the Chargers what should be one of the best offenses in the NFL, but for some reason the Bolts have struggled to put points on the board. Despite ranking fourth in the league by averaging 417.3 yards of total offense, San Diego is averaging just 21.7 points per game (15th in the NFL.)

This Sunday that has to change.

If the Chargers want to be considered real contenders they need to handle their business against the Dolphins this weekend. Miami is allowing 415.7 yards of total offense per game (30th in the NFL) and is also giving up 26 points per game (26th in the NFL.)

If Rivers and the Chargers are ever going to right the ship, this is the weekend to do it. A blowout win over Miami could put San Diego back on the path towards an AFC title. The Chargers travel to Denver in Week 5 and then have a bye before heading across the country to face the New York Jets in Week 7.

This Sunday's game against the Dolphins is where they should put everything together.