Los Angeles @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 3, 2017 ) Cleveland 10, L.A. Chargers 19

The Cleveland Browns won one game during a two-season span, and it came against the then-San Diego Chargers on Christmas Eve 2016. Fast forward to 2018 and the Browns are looking to record their third victory in six games when they host the now-Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Cleveland recorded a 12-9 overtime triumph over Baltimore last week and is looking to win consecutive contests for the first time since a three-game winning streak midway through the 2014 campaign. "Oh, absolutely. That is why we are playing," Browns coach Hue Jackson said during a press conference. "Every game we play in, we are trying to win. The next step for us is to start winning back-to-back games, regardless of who the opponent is." The Chargers are looking for their third consecutive victory, but Philip Rivers sees the Browns as a tough test. "They're a few plays away from having won them all this year," the quarterback told reporters. "They probably feel they should have. Certainly had the opportunity to win them all, so it will be a heck of a challenge for us."

TV: 11 a.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chargers -1. O/U: 44.5

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (3-2): Rivers is off to a strong start with 1,495 yards and 13 touchdown passes against two interceptions, and was a stellar 22-of-27 for 339 yards and two scores in last week's 26-10 win over Oakland. Running back Melvin Gordon has scored six touchdowns (three rushing, three receiving) and ranks fourth in the NFL with 595 yards from scrimmage (334 rushing, 261 receiving). Defensive end Melvin Ingram recorded one sack and his first career interception in the win over the Raiders, and the defense is allowing an average of 26 points while playing without star defensive end Joey Bosa (foot).

ABOUT THE BROWNS (2-2-1): Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield has energized the offense as the franchise is coming off a season-high 342-yard performance against the Ravens. "I have known that the Browns were not bad since the second I stepped foot into this franchise," Mayfield told reporters. "We had a special team from the get-go. Whoever we are playing has nothing to do with this team. We believe in this team that we have. Management has put together a great group of guys." Cleveland leads the NFL with 15 takeaways and has some impressive young pieces on defense in pass rusher Myles Garrett (five sacks) and cornerback Denzel Ward (league high-tying three interceptions).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Chargers own a 16-9-1 lead in the all-time series, including a 19-10 home win in December.

2. Cleveland WR Rashard Higgins (knee) will be sidelined at least two weeks after being injured against the Ravens.

3. Los Angeles WR Keenan Allen (32 receptions) caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in last season's meeting with the Browns.

PREDICTION: Chargers 27, Browns 24