The Seattle Seahawks return to Lumen Field with a strange feeling: they are 2-1, yet they are coming off a wild 33-31 loss to Washington. The defending champions know they can score with anyone, but Sunday’s game against the winless Los Angeles Chargers is about finishing the job. At 4:25 p.m. EDT, the loud Seattle crowd will welcome a Chargers team that is desperate to turn its season around.

Seattle’s brightest star so far has been wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He has caught 27 passes for 405 yards and six touchdowns in only three games. Those numbers show how often he gets open and how dangerous he becomes once the ball reaches his hands. Smith-Njigba uses quick cuts and smooth routes to make defenders lose track of him. He can turn a short throw into a long gain, or race past a defender for a deep catch.

That makes him a huge problem for Los Angeles. The Chargers have allowed more than 25 points per game, while Seattle has scored 25 per game. If quarterback Sam Darnold plays through his listed glute injury, he will look for his favorite target early and often. Darnold has thrown four touchdown passes in two games, but Seattle also needs him to protect the ball and keep the offense calm in a close game.

The Seahawks’ other big question sits in the backfield. Rookie Jadarian Price has the chance to replace some of the production left behind by Kenneth Walker III, who is now in Kansas City. Price brings burst and big-play speed, but he has lost two fumbles already. He is also listed as questionable with a chest injury. Seattle needs him, or another runner, to give the passing game support and make defenders respect every play.

Across the field, Justin Herbert is trying to spark a Chargers offense that has not scored more than 16 points in a game. Herbert has a powerful arm, but he has thrown four interceptions, meaning passes caught by the other team. New coordinator Mike McDaniel wants the Chargers to move quickly, use motion before the snap, and create easier throws. Against Seattle’s defense, which allows only 16.7 points per game, Herbert must make smart decisions.

Omarion Hampton could be the Chargers’ path to control. The strong young running back has rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns, and his hard runs can help keep Seattle’s pass rush away from Herbert. Ladd McConkey, who is questionable with a foot injury, is another key. His sharp routes can help Herbert find quick openings, while Quentin Johnston offers a deep-ball threat.

Still, Seattle has allowed far fewer yards than Los Angeles this season, and Lumen Field can make communication difficult for visiting offenses. The Chargers have enough talent to make this a fight, especially if Hampton gets rolling. But the Seahawks have more momentum, a fierce defense, and Smith-Njigba playing like the league’s hottest receiver. Prediction: Seattle wins and begins another push toward the top of the NFC.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Seattle’s Chase for a Stronger Start