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What about the Chargers defense? They aren't exactly playing well right now, having given up 66 points in their last two games. However, this game is much more important to the Broncos. They need to hold serve at home. If the Chargers win this game, they probably win the division.
Does your league reward defensive points against? If so, are you still starting the Broncos' D? My league has that scoring system and I'm giving serious thought to sitting them this week. I have the same feeling about this game that I had about the Colts game - I think Denver's D is really good but so is the Chargers' offense and I don't see the Broncos keeping the score low.
Agreed and no Merriman helps the Broncos. But I just don't think Denver's offense is doing enough to take full advantage. If Tatum was healthy I think they'd have a shot to control the game on the ground and minimize what Plummer is asked to do. But I don't think the Denver running game will show much which puts all the pressure on Plummer. Plummer's capable of stepping up and he definitely has the weapons with Walker and Smith but I think he's been so scattershot this season that it's very risky to pin your hopes on his ability to step up in a big game.Edited to add I feel much better about Rivers' ability to step up and win this game than I do Plummer's. Rivers could be the x factor in this game and as well as he's playing I wouldn't bet against him.
Packersfan you make a good point of Plummers erract games this season, but I feel that this is the game he silences all of the critics. With a hurt Bell (well both Bells), the Broncos will be limited on the ground. But because the Chargers are hurt on defense the broncos will still be able to control the pace of this football game. As Shanahan knows, its all about time of possesion and turnovers. Which ever defense is able to create the most turnovers, and in my opinion that is the Broncos. Broncos will take care of business this sunday night.
Since I have the Denver D I hope you're right.
But I really think the San Diego offense is rolling right now and I think they have enough balance to be able to move the ball effectively. Tomlinson is scorching hot right now and the Broncos have had problems with him in the past. I think the Chargers hold the biggest advantages offensively - they are far superior in the running game and I think Rivers is playing better than Plummer. I think that may be too much for the Denver D to handle.
Who hasnt had trouble with Tomlinson in the past? The Broncos will give Tomlinson his 100 yards and 1 TD, but its how they defend Rivers is what is going to determine who wins this game sunday night. Champ Bailey will take McCardel or Gates out of the game, and the LB will bring Rivers a lot of pressure. Rivers is a QB known for not taking many sacks, so lets just hope that he doesnt force any balls into the excellent Denver secondary.Since I have the Denver D I hope you're right.
Thats nice, but does it give any prediction?
Ok Maurile, clearly you are a comedian. Does FG give you their prediction for the winner of the game?
Yes, David Dodds' Game Predictor does this, but it's not up until Thursday.
Along with missing Merriman, Castillo was still in a walking boot yesterday and noone knows if he'll be able to go this week. Without those two it will be tough IF Plummer can limit his mistakes. If Tatum is still banged up the matchup between the Chargers run D and the Broncos run O will be a stand off, as Tatum is the type of back the Chargers have the most trouble with as opposed to Mike Bell or Cobbs. LaDainian has never had big games in Denver, and I don't think he will this week either. They always play him tough.This game will be decided by which quarterback steps up, and which team makes the least mistakes.I just have a feeling that at home Jake picks his play up this week and does enough to win 24-17 or something in that range.
The Chargers blow out bad to mediocre teams. Besides the Colts, the Broncos have best record against quality teams in the NFL (record over teams with winning records - tied with the Jaguars at 3-1 - but they don't have the crappy losses to Houston like the Jags). I think that explains the two rankings.
This needs to be reiterated. It's been said several times by Packerfan that Denver has trouble w/ LT and that LT has had huge games against Denver... which is true... but not IN Denver. His best game yardage whise was 75 in mile high... although last year he had 52 and a pair of TDs. Historically Denver has been g reat against Tomlinson at home... i don't know if it'll last though.But what i want to know is.... who's Champ Bailey covering? Gates? McCardell?!?!
If the Chargers can score more in one half than they give up in the entire game again, it won't really matter how many they allow.
I like the similarities. In the first matchup, the Broncos pull a Clubber Lang on the Chargers and beats the crap out of them.
I agree with this.
LT has NEVER had a 100 yd game in Denver. However, this year I think he does.31-21 Chargers
Not able to make a prediction either - the game is absolutely huge for both teams and for the #2 seed in the AFC playoffs.If the pats right their ship on the road in GB, the division becomes very interesting.
LT always struggles in Denver and then blows up in SD. Considering the tear LT is on right now, this will probably be the most crucial factor in the game - how LT performs will probably determine whether the Chargers can win in Invesco/Mile High.
From the Game Predictor:San Diego Chargers 21.5at Denver Broncos 24.0
