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5 Best Storylines of NFL Week 15: Division titles and Wild Cards on the Line

By Andrew Garda

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers

Denver is now firmly in control of the AFC West, and a win will lock them into the division title. Further they have to win to have a shot of stealing home field advantage from the New England Patriots, though they will need a little help doing it.

Denver beat San Diego soundly in their first meeting—35-21 back in October—and should be able to do the same here.

There are a few problems with that assumption though.

First, Peyton Manning has been looking a bit off the last few weeks. His throws look a little shaky and he seems to be struggling through the games in a way we aren’t used to seeing. Is he tired? Is he hurt? Is he just going through a mediocre stretch?

His shaky play makes this game more uncertain than it should be.

Also, San Diego is in desperate need of wins to hang onto that eighth seed right now. They lost to Miami, a team right behind them in the rankings and dropped the first of two against Kansas City who is also looking to make the playoffs and eying the last spot. Of course, there is any number of AFC North teams which could try and take that last spot as well.

This is a big game for them, at home and that makes it a tougher game than it might appear on paper.

Next: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

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