MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) head to Hard Rock Stadium to face the Miami Dolphins (1-4) on Sunday in a Week 6 AFC matchup between two quarterbacks forever linked in the 2020 NFL Draft — Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert.

The Dolphins hold an 18-15 edge in the all-time series and won last year’s meeting 36-34 in Inglewood behind 466 passing yards and three touchdowns from Tagovailoa.

Herbert and the Chargers got the better of Miami in 2022, when the L.A. quarterback threw for 367 yards in a 23-17 win.

Both quarterbacks have kept their offenses efficient on third downs.

Miami ranks second in the league, converting 46.7% of its third-down plays, while the Chargers are fourth at 46.4%. Those numbers stand out given the injuries both teams have sustained along the offensive line.

Despite Miami’s 1-4 start to the 2025 season, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t been the team’s main problem. He’s tied for third in the league with 10 touchdown passes.

After throwing four interceptions in the first three games, Tagovailoa has rebounded with 433 yards and five touchdowns over the past two weeks without a single turnover.

The Chargers will be without several key linemen, including left tackle Rashawn Slater, who remains on injured reserve.

Tackle Joe Alt is out with a high ankle sprain, and backup tackle Trey Pipkins II will also miss Sunday’s game after leaving last week’s loss to Washington. Right guard Mekhi Becton is listed as doubtful.

Los Angeles will also be missing its top two running backs, Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, both placed on injured reserve. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins are expected to see extended playing time.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, will try to tighten up their run defense after giving up 239 rushing yards, including 206 on the ground to backup running back Rico Dowdle in a 27-24 loss at Carolina.

The Chargers’ passing game remains their biggest threat.

Receivers Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey and Quinton Johnston have accounted for all eight of Herbert’s touchdown passes and 879 of his 1,273 passing yards this season.

Johnston is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury and will be a game-time decision. If he’s unable to go, Miami’s defense should expect plenty of targets for Allen and McConkey.

Defensively, the Chargers rank seventh in the NFL in total yards allowed (293.8 per game) and sixth in scoring defense (19.6 points per game).

Miami, still without star receiver Tyreek Hill, relied on others to step up last week.

Jaylen Waddle caught six passes for 110 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, while tight end Darren Waller and running back De’Von Achane also found the end zone.

Waller has found the end zone three times over his first two games with the Dolphins and will look to extend his scoring streak.

By the numbers:

• Series record: Dolphins lead 18-15
• Last week: Chargers lost to Commanders 27-10; Dolphins lost to Panthers 27-24
• Last meeting: Dolphins beat Chargers 36-34 (Sept. 10, 2023)

Team rankings:

• Chargers offense: overall (12), rush (14t), pass (10), scoring (25)
• Chargers defense: overall (7), rush (18), pass (4), scoring (6t)
• Dolphins offense: overall (28), rush (30), pass (21), scoring (21)
• Dolphins defense: overall (29), rush (32), pass (16), scoring (27)
• Turnover differential: Chargers minus-3; Dolphins even

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

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