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NFL Odds: Chargers vs Broncos


Written November 20, 2009 by Rock Henderson

A key AFC West match-up will take place in Denver this Sunday when the San Diego Chargers look to avenge a loss earlier this season to the Broncos. The Chargers come into this game riding a four game winning streak, while the Broncos have lost three in a row and the status of starting QB Kyle Orton is uncertain. San Diego’s last loss was in Week 6 as Denver walked to a 34-23 victory in Qualcomm Stadium. Whoever is victorious this weekend will have an inside track to winning the division. The Broncos are getting 2.5 points at home with a total set at 44.5.

The Chargers have always been on of the most talented teams in the NFL, but have never seemed to put it all together from start to finish during the season. Once again they started off slow and have went on a nice run to put themselves in contention once again. QB Phillip Rivers has been his usual self, throwing for 2476 yards and 16 touchdown passes through nine games. He has thrown only six interceptions and spreads the ball around to his many weapons. RB LaDainian Tomlinson had been non-existent until last week when he rushed for over 100 yards and scored two times. He has five touchdowns in all this year, but is still averaging only 3.3 ypc. TE Antonio Gates leads the team in receptions with 49 and is second in yards at 668. He has given way to WR Vincent Jackson as the main red zone target to get touchdowns. Jackson has seven touchdown catches and has become the big play threat for San Diego’s offense. The defense has been an area of concern for the team, but has played well enough in recent weeks to earn wins. Giving up 34 points to a suspect Broncos offense can’t sit well with this squad. They have done a nice job shutting down either the run or pass, but need to play well against both if they want to be a contender.

Life was good in Denver when the Broncos bolted to a 6-0 start in one of the more shocking revelations at the beginning of the year. Three bad losses later and many are wondering how a team that looked so impressive can do a complete 360 and be in danger of falling out of first place in their division. Much blame can be placed on a defense that was dominant throughout the first part of the season, but has given up at least 27 points their last three outings. Maybe too much was expected out of this unit since they held their first four opponents to 10 points or less. QB Kyle Orton might not play in this game as he missed the second half against Washington with an injured ankle. Backup Chris Simms was ineffective at moving the ball against the Redskins and will get the start if Orton is unable to go. WR Brandon Marshall has been the lone bright spot during the losing streak as he caught two touchdowns last week and has six receptions for scores this year. Denver needs to get back to running the ball efficiently and playing stout defense if they want to return to the winners circle.

This line could really move if it is announced that Kyle Orton will be unable to play. The Chargers come into this game with a ton of confidence and if LT continues to perform like he did last week they are going to be tough to beat. Denver handled them fairly easily on the road, but they are heading in a opposite direction during a critical part of the season. Make it four losses in a row for the desperate Broncos. Play: Chargers -2.5

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One Response to “NFL Odds: Chargers vs Broncos”

  1. Jroc on November 20th, 2009 3:53 pm

    The Chargers are gonna SPANK ‘em… nuff said

    Reply

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