No. 17: Eric Edholm – NFL.com (Last week: No. 15)

Los Angeles bled dry for more than eight minutes during the final march, but ultimately had to settle for Cameron Dicker’s fifth field goal of the evening, 15-14. On the Cardinals’ ensuing drive, the 15-yard flag to Cam Hart hurt, but giving up a 33-yard catch-and-run to James Conner on the very next play was what really allowed Arizona to get the final three points score and catch. a 17-15 victory. Justin Herbert passed for a season-high 349 yards and made some nice throws (some caught, some not) while not under heavy pressure. The lack of offensive weapons in LA is glaring right now, especially with the run game stalling. The Chargers crossed midfield seven times, but made only one play inside Arizona’s 10-yard line. The schedule will lighten up in the coming weeks, but this loss will stick in Harbaugh’s memory for a while.

No. 18: Josh Kendall – The Athletic (Last week: #12)

Justin Herbert passed for 349 yards, his highest total since Week 3 last year on Monday night, but it wasn’t enough for the Chargers, who rushed for a very un-Jim Harbaugh-esque 59 yards. Los Angeles’ three losses this season have been by an average of 6.3 points, but their three wins aren’t very impressive. The Chargers are 12th in the league in point differential (plus-23).

No. 18: Vinnie Iyer – Sports News (Last week: No. 15)

The Chargers know themselves well as a hard-nosed, defensive team that can also run the ball. They should be more dangerous as Justin Herbert grows into a bigger factor, but they need to score more touchdowns and fewer field goals.

No. 18: NFL Nation, Kris Rhim – ESPN (Last week: No. 17)

Young riser: FB/DT Scott Matlock

As a rookie defensive tackle last season, Matlock played primarily on special teams. He was expected to play a bigger role on the defensive line this season, but coach Jim Harbaugh switched Matlock to fullback and he was a vital part of the Chargers’ rushing game. Matlock, 24, still plays defense and special teams; his 236 snaps are the 11th most on the team. He’s emerging as an unlikely but crucial piece of one of the NFL’s best rushing offenses.