Chargers at Broncos: Game preview, odds, prediction
By Brad Weiss
For the second time in three weeks, the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos will meet in an AFC West showdown. The Chargers beat Denver in Week 6, 21-13.
The Denver Broncos got back on the winning track last week, as they hosted the Houston Texans in a Monday Night Football laugher. Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler’s return to Denver was a huge bust, as he continues to prove that he was not worth $72 million dollars. Houston could not even sniff the end zone and wound up kicking three field goals in a 27-9 loss.
After losing their last two games, the Broncos had that swagger back against the Texans. They got after the quarterback, and aside from some yards in the fourth quarter, they really were not threatened at all in the game. The defensive players showed once again that they are one of the best in the league, and you can be sure that they will have a good game plan for Philip Rivers and the Chargers the second time around.
San Diego beat Denver in a Thursday night match-up in Week 6, as they were finally able to hold onto a lead in the fourth quarter. At 3-4, the Chargers are still very much alive in the AFC West, and had it not been for some bonehead plays late in games, they could easily be atop the division. Rivers continues to play at a Pro Bowl level, and despite all the injuries, it seems like a new star emerges on their defense each week.
The game will be played in Denver, which means the Broncos should have a heavy advantage. The AFC West is so close this season that any divisional game is going to be a good one. That should definitely be the case on Sunday, as the Broncos will be looking to split the home and home series with the Chargers.
Odds
Line: Denver (-5)
Over/Under: 43.5
In their Monday night win against the Texans, the Broncos displayed a nice 1-2 tandem at running back. C.J. Anderson and rookie Devontae Booker combined to run all over Houston, each scoring a touchdown. However, Anderson will likely miss the next couple of weeks with a bone bruise, which means the rookie will have to carry a bigger load against the Chargers. Running the ball is a huge part of what the Broncos do on offense, and Booker runs like a kid who is not going to be afraid of the limelight.
The Chargers have played very well this season, and if games were only three quarters long, they would likely be 6-1. However, they did manage to play big late last week, as they battled back to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 33-30 in overtime. They wont be so lucky against the Broncos, who should take care of business at home on Sunday.
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Expect a very intense game on Sunday, as the Chargers continue to try to work their way out of the cellar in the AFC West. Denver quarterback Trevor Siemian will make just enough plays to get the job done, and the defense should play huge in front of their home fans. Denver may get DeMarcus Ware back in time for the game, so add that to the reasons why they win this one.
Pick: Broncos 24 Chargers 17