New York Jets (1-3) at San Diego Chargers (3-1)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Evan Washburn

*Keys to the game: The Jets have been relatively balanced in their total play-calling — 124 runs vs. 137 pass attempts — and that number would be even close if they weren’t playing from behind consistently. But offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg could stand to be more committed to the ground game from series to series. New York needs to control the tempo and put embattled QB Geno Smith in positive passing situations against a defense that enters the game fifth in the league allowing an average of just 15.8 points per game. Airing it out might prove difficult with top target Eric Decker (right leg) limping.

The Chargers have won three consecutive games largely on the play of QB Philip Rivers. The ground game is in tatters without injured RBs Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead, but Rivers has eschewed the constant vertical passes of the Norv Turner days in favor of a more controlled passing game that includes plenty of underneath targets to complement the meager ground attack. The Jets’ 3-4 scheme has defenders attacking from all angles, and the key is to get to Rivers before he unleashes against a vastly overmatched secondary.

OFFICIAL FRIDAY INJURY REPORT

NEW YORK JETS

–Questionable: WR Eric Decker (hamstring), WR David Nelson (ankle)

–Probable: G Willie Colon (knee), T Breno Giacomini (back), DT Damon Harrison (ankle), RB Chris Johnson (ankle), C Nick Mangold (shoulder), CB Dee Milliner (quadricep), S Calvin Pryor (quadricep)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

–Out: LB Jeremiah Attaochu (hamstring), RB Ryan Mathews (knee), G Rich Ohrnberger (back), LB Manti Te’o (foot), LB Reggie Walker (ankle), CB Shareece Wright (knee)

–Questionable: LB Dwight Freeney (knee), TE David Johnson (shoulder), DT Corey Liuget (concussion)

–Probable: LB Donald Butler (shoulder), TE Ladarius Green (hamstring), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), LB Cordarro Law (ankle), CB Jason Verrett (hamstring)

*Matchup to watch – Jets interior defensive line vs. Chargers C Doug Legursky: Legursky is the third center the Chargers have turned to this season, and he was a clear vulnerability last week, including some snap miscommunications with Rivers. The Jets’ defensive line is the clear strength of the team, including DT Sheldon Richardson and NT Damon Harrison.

*Player spotlight – Jets CB Dee Milliner: The second-year player has missed three of four games due to quad and ankle injuries, but is expected to play. The beleaguered secondary desperately needs a boost, with converted safety Antonio Allen and career backup Darrin Walls starting at cornerback.

*Fast facts: Smith leads all NFL quarterbacks with seven rushing TDs since 2013. … Chargers TE Antonio Gates needs two receiving touchdowns to move past Isaac Bruce (91) for 10th place in NFL history.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

At least Smith won’t hear the cat-calls for Michael Vick from the other side of the country. But the Chargers are averaging 31.5 points per game at home – a clip Smith can’t keep pace with on his best day.

*Our pick: Chargers 30-23