NFL Trick or Treat: Breaking Down the Contenders

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Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) sits on the bench after throwing a interception in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Trick: San Diego Chargers (5-3)

When the San Diego Chargers started 5-1, everyone thought they were for real and could actually give the Denver Broncos a run for their money in the AFC West.

That’s until the Bolts dropped two in a row to division opponents–including a 35-21 loss to Denver in which Philip Rivers threw two interceptions and watched as Peyton Manning dominated the Chargers’ defense for 286 yards and three touchdowns.

Rivers is playing at a high level this season, but San Diego’s offense can’t sustain an inconsistent running game, with Ryan Matthews and Donald Brown both missing time in the backfield this season.

Even if the Chargers do get rolling and snag a fifth or sixth seed in the playoffs, I don’t see them beating any of the current division leaders.

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