In case I have not made this abundantly clear enough ... with five games to play in the NFL season, the Broncos have already mathematically eliminated the Chargers from contention for the AFC West division title. That's just wrong for a team with the talent level of the Chargers.
So this week, when the first and last place teams in the West meet at Qualcomm Stadium, there is little doubt who the favorite is. In fact, this was one game where the Vegas odds makers really missed on the line. Denver opened as a 3-point favorite, a number that has since been bet up to a 6-point favorite.
Keep in mind the Broncos are missing Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, T.J. Ward and Sylvester Williams, yet public perception is they still have more than enough to beat the Bolts. So on that positive note, let's take a look at this week's three players to watch.
Donald Brown, RB
Usually, I look at guys who will have a positive impact on the game, but this time I just can't wait to see how Brown hurts San Diego. Will it be another dropped pass in space? Another missed block on special teams to get one of his teammates injured? I will say, though, that when you need one tough yard Brown will get you two and when you need three tough yards Brown will get you two. Consistency is key, folks.
Josh Lambo, K
As good as Philip Rivers is, the chances of the Chargers moving the ball with consistency against this Wade Phillips-coached defense are not great. Wade's bunch leads the NFL with 37 sacks and as much as he respects Rivers he will take great pride in getting 17's uniform dirty. So when the Chargers do get close enough to score points, Lambo will have to have a big leg. I foresee a couple of long field goal tries in Sunday, which could be the difference in the game.
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Corey Liuget, DT/DE
Liuget is playing through a leg injury that would have sidelined most guys. But as he'll tell you, if he's going to be out there he needs to be effective. Broncos guard Louis Vasquez is dinged up but playing and Denver is going with 6'8" QB Brock Osweiler, making for quite the large target. This is Osweiler's third career NFL start and we're not entirely certain how he handles consistent pressure yet. It would be nice for the Chargers to give him that test.
Derek's Prediction:
It would be the total Chargers thing to do, to finally win a game against a winning record when nobody thinks they can. But let's not kid ourselves.
Final score: Broncos 30, Chargers 13
