Two teams that had totally different results last week meet tonight in Los Angeles when the Chargers host the Denver Broncos. A week ago, the Chargers came into action with the defense that had allowed the fewest points in the league, 207, and then got lit up by the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 40 in a 40 to 17 loss.
The defeat was the second straight setback for Jim Harbaugh’s team, the Chargers were edged by the Kansas City Chiefs two weeks ago at Arrowhead Stadium. The losses have allowed the Broncos, who have won four straight games, to move ahead of the Chargers in the AFC West Division standings.
Now, while neither the Chargers nor Broncos are going to win their division, the Chiefs have already locked that down, they still are in prime position to enter the postseason tournament through the Wild Card door. The Broncos nine wins has them three up on the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins, in the sixth spot while seven teams from the AFC will advance to the postseason.
The Chargers eight wins has them two up on the Colts, Bengals and Dolphins and currently sitting with the seventh seed.
So, while this is not a must game for either team, the Chargers defense would have to be an inspired group after last week's lashing. And, as we said, these two teams had very different Sundays last week.
Denver was hosting the Indianapolis Colts, and midway through the third quarter Indianapolis runningback Jonathan Taylor broke free down the right sideline and scampered in for a touchdown to advance the Colts lead to 19-7 with an extra point coming up. Then, a review determined that Taylor’s celebration and spiking of the ball came before he crossed the goal line.
Take the points off the board and give the Broncos the ball at the 20 trailing by only six points.
The Colts never scored again after that miscue, and the Broncos overcame a rocky start and three interceptions suffered by rookie quarterback Bo Nix to pull away for a 31-13 triumph.
After a pair of dismal seasons in the Mile High City, both with Russell Wilson their starting quarterback, the Broncos behind Head Coach Sean Payton and their rookie quarterback are enjoying their best season since John Elway was directing their action on the field.
So tonight, the Broncos come off a run of satisfying wins and a near lock on a Wild Card slot and the Chargers are looking to turn the tide on a season that was in much better shape a few weeks ago. In other words, the Chargers have something to overcome, and the Broncos are riding high in their saddle.
I’ll take the team that should be the more motivated unit tonight.
Qoxhi Picks: Los Angeles Chargers (-2½) over Denver Broncos