1. DE Noah Spence
Spence was one of the most dominant pass-rushers in the league in Week 12, picking up 1.5 sacks as the Buccaneers defeated Seattle. He had 2.5 sacks during the month of November and also forced two fumbles. For his efforts, he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. Spence could be set up to have yet another big day when Tampa Bay travels to Seattle. He will likely be matched up with right tackle Joe Barksdale, who is the Chargers' lowest-graded offensive player, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Pictures of the Top 10 Chargers in Week 12, according to their Pro Football Focus player grade.
94 RE Corey Liuget (73.4)
17 QB Philip Rivers (78.5)
20 FS Dwight Lowery (80.1)
68 C Matt Slauson (80.9)
28 RB Melvin Gordon (81.6)
16 WR Tyrell Williams (81.9)
26 CB Casey Hayward (85.9)
54 ROLB Melvin Ingram (86.3)
56 LILB Korey Toomer (86.7)
99 LOLB Joey Bosa (89.8)
- OT Donovan Smith**
On the other side of the line, Smith will be one of several players tasked with slowing down San Diego's talented rookie pass-rusher, Joey Bosa. But Smith won't be the only player responsible for containing the No. 3 overall pick. Bosa has lined up on both the right and left side of the line in addition to playing linebacker this season. With Jameis Winston's blind side in Smith's hands, it's key that Smith accounts for Bosa when the two are matched up.
3. RB Doug Martin
Martin is gradually regaining his form as the weeks go by. Week 12 was Martin's third game back from a hamstring injury and his best of the year. He ran for 87 yards and gained 3.8 yards per carry, both of which were season-highs for him. With Jacquizz Rodgers returning to practice this week, it's likely Martin could have some relief. Keep an eye on how often Martin's number is called after nearly 50 carries in the past two weeks.
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Pictures of the Chargers' starting offense and defense, according to the team's depth chart.
15 WR Dontrelle Inman
16 WR Tyrell Williams
77 LT King Dunlap
74 LG Orlando Franklin
68 C Matt Slauson
76 RG D.J. Fluker
72 RT Joe Barksdale
85 TE Antonio Gates
12 WR Travis Benjamin
17 QB Philip Rivers
34 FB Derek Watt
28 RB Melvin Gordon
99 LOLB Joey Bosa
71 NT Damion Square
94 RE Corey Liuget
54 ROLB Melvin Ingram
57 ILB Jatavis Brown
52 ILB Denzel Perryman
51 OLB Kyle Emanuel
24 CB Brandon Flowers
26 CB Casey Hayward
37 SS Jahleel Addae
20 FS Dwight Lowery
- WR Mike Evans**
Evans is on pace to shatter several Buccaneer receiving records, including the team's single-season touchdown reception record, which he already owns. Evans will face a tough test against a San Diego defense that has allowed just 16 receiving touchdowns this season, led by standout cornerback Casey Hayward. Evans already has over 1,000 receiving yards on the season, marking the third season in a row he's reached the milestone.
5. CB Alterraun Verner
With Jude Adjei-Barimah suspended, Verner was called upon to fill the void as the Bucs' nickel corner. He answered well, recording an interception and a pass defensed as the Buccaneers rolled to victory. Verner, who has started 69 games in his career, will likely fill the same role until Adjei-Barimah's return in Week 16.
