PLAYER NOTES

--WR Vincent Jackson finished 11th in receiving yards in the NFL with a career-high 1,098 yards. He also had highs in catches (59) and touchdowns (seven).

--OLB Shaun Phillips not only leads the teams with 71/2 sacks but with 15 tackles for a loss as well.

--P Mike Scifres set a team record with a net punting average of 40.9 yards. He was third in the league in that category.

--LS David Binn is in his 15th season and will play in his team record 249th Chargers game on Saturday night.

--QB Philip Rivers has led the Chargers to three AFC West titles in his three years as a starter.

--CB Antonio Cromartie has four of his 14 career interceptions, including the playoffs, against the Colts' Peyton Manning. Cromartie has two interceptions this season.

GAME PLAN: The Chargers should lean on their running game for a few reasons. The running game has been cooking of late with the offensive line playing their best football of the year. But getting the ground attack in full gear gobbles up yards and the clock, which keeps Manning and his offense off the field. The Colts have allowed but six touchdown passes this year. That speaks to a secondary which includes Bob Sanders and to a stout pass rush. The key here is the health of Tomlinson. He suffered a strained groin in the win over the Broncos and could be at less than full strength.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Chargers passing game, led by Rivers, the NFL's leading quarterback regarding rating and touchdown passes, vs. a Colts pass defense which has Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis coming off the edges. Rivers has been keen of getting rid of the ball lately, as the turnovers which had plagued him in the midseason have dwindled. He has a new favorite toy in Vincent Jackson, who has surpassed Chris Chambers as the team's top wide out. But the pass blocking is going to have to give Rivers the time until Jackson can complete his downfield moves.

Chargers pass defense, which hasn't been getting at quarterbacks lately, vs. the Colts passing offense with a hot Manning. The Chargers, to have any hope of disrupting the Colts' passing game, is going to have to supply some heat on Manning. But the Chargers have but one sack in the last three games and sacked Manning but once when playing him in November. Manning has completed 90-of-1100 passes in his last four games and is the main reason the Colts have won nine straight. Pay attention to the Colts' Dallas Clark as tight ends have killed the Chargers all season long. But the big thing is not letting Manning set his feet.

Chargers running game, with a nicked-up LaDainian Tomlinson against a Colts run defense, which is allowing 123 yards per game. The Chargers won't be at full strength with Tomlinson slowed by a strained groin. That means the Chargers will likely have to lean more on Darren Sproles and rookie fullback Jacob Hester. While it's not technically a run, look for Sproles to supply his "running" yards via swing passes out of the backfield to get him into space. The Chargers' run blocking has been solid lately. The Chargers need to have positive yards on early downs or Rivers will be forced into third-and-longs. If that's the case, DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis can get after Rivers with vengeance.

INJURY IMPACT: RB LaDainian Tomlinson (groin) didn't practice on Thursday but will try to participate Friday. Still, he likely won't be at 100 percent Saturday. Look for Darren Sproles and Jacob Hester to get some additional playing time.

--TE Antonio Gates (ankle) didn't practice Thursday and looks like a game-time decision.

-- LB Brandon Siler (foot) didn't practice Thursday and could be down Saturday.

-- WR Malcolm Floyd (lung) continues to practice and could be active Saturday after missing two games.