A few weeks ago this game looked like a laugher. After the Denver Broncos (3-2) dropped two of their last three games, no one is laughing now. If Denver is going to right the ship, they’ll have to do it on the road at the StubHub Center when they face off against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4).
The game will be shined upon your beautiful faces via your televisions, computers or mobile devices via the CBS television network. Kick off is set for 4:25 p.m. EST.
The Game: Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (-1)
O/U: 43.5
The History
Denver and Los Angeles have played 116 times since 1960 with the Broncos holding a 65-50-1 lead in the all time series.
The Broncos beat the Chargers in their first match up this season, 24-21 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in the season opener.
DENVER BRONCOS (3-2)
The Broncos come into this game off a much needed bye. They dropped two bad games in the span of three weeks and if they hadn’t knocked Derek Carr out of their game against the Oakland Raiders, it could have been three in a row.
Two weeks ago they were barely in the game with a New York Giants team that, to that point, had not won a game and didn’t have a single NFL wide receiver on the field. The Broncos have two stars in Damaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but still didn’t get into the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. Thomas did have 10 catches for 133 yards.
Quarterback Trevor Siemian put up some meaningless stats, going 29 of 50 for 376 yards, one touchdown and two picks. In spite of that yardage total, the Broncos were just 5-of-17 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down.
The offense looked better with Jamaal Charles in the backfield, but they only gave him five carries for 19 yards. C.J. Anderson has been a solid back, but that’s with the threat of a consistent passing attack in his favor. When it’s all on him, he doesn’t seem to be able to deliver.
Denver has a ton of injuries they’re dealing with. Cody Lattimer, Paxton Lynch, Isaiah McKenzie, Corey Nelson, Sanders, Donald Stephenson and Menelik Watson are all listed as out.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-4)
The Chargers not only picked up their first win two weeks ago, they’ve now won two in a row after a 17-16 upset of the Oakland Raiders. Philip Rivers has bounced back from a series of lackluster games to be the quarterback he was before head coach Anthony Lynn tried to ruin him. Last week, against the Raiders, Rivers was 25 of 36 for 268 yards and a touchdown.
Lynn loves the running game, too much frankly. With Rivers sharp, Melvin Gordon was able to get going for 83 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown. He caught nine passes for 67 yards and a score. This is exactly the offense the Chargers need to run, with Gordon being their version of Le’veon Bell.
Hunter Henry continues to usurp Antonio Gates as Rivers’ go to target. he caught five passes for 90 yards against the Raiders. In spite of two straight victories, Keenan Allen has been relatively silent on the receiving end. He caught five passes for 45 yards last week.
The defense should have teed off on a banged up Derek Carr, but instead manged just one sack and four tackles for a loss. They did force five turnovers, but only won they game thanks to a missed extra point that banked off the upright.
Los Angeles has only one significant injury. Offensive lineman Joe Barksdale is officially listed as questionable even though he didn’t practice all week. Keenan Allen was held out of practice Friday, but I think that was just a precaution. He should suit up Sunday.
The Pick
I can’t believe I’m about to do this. It seems ridiculous to think that Anthony Lynn could lead the Chargers to three wins in a row, if not even three wins all year. But that’s what I’m about to predict. It looks like the wheels have fallen off Denver. There doesn’t seem to be an answer at quarterback on their roster with Lynch out. I was curious to see how Brock Osweiler would play last week when Siemian went out a while, but head coach Vance Joseph plugged Siemian back in for the second half. I think reality is setting in for Denver. Chargers 27, Broncos 24
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 5-9
Against the spread: 5-9
Season
Straight up: 48-43
Against the spread: 43-48
To make a wager on any sport, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
