This week we get a showdown on the West Coast for our Thursday Night action. AFC West rivals, the 4-1 Denver Broncos travel to California to take on the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos are coming off their first loss of the season, as the Atlanta Falcons came to Denver this past week and won 23-16. Meanwhile the Chargers lost another close on at home to the Oakland Raiders, 34-31.
For the Broncos, their fate in this game could very well rest on the shoulders of Trevor Siemian, and if he can play. He has been a limited participant in practice early this week, and it seems he will be a game time decision for the game. If he plays, the team is certainly more talented than San Diego. But if he cannot play, rookie Paxton Lynch will be under center. He is coming off a rough first start, and it led to the team’s first loss.
The Chargers may not have a great defense, but their offense can surely put up some points. They have the difficult task of taking on the Denver defense, so points will be at a premium. But one thing that may surprise people about San Diego is the fact that they play close ballgames, even though they are 1-4. In their four losses, they have lost by six, four, one and three. So they have essentially been one drive away from from a win in every one of the games they have lost.
So this one essentially comes down to bad offense vs bad defense, and good offense vs good defense. The Broncos will likely struggle a bit on offense, even if Siemian is playing, as he will not be at full health. Meanwhile the Chargers team who can score points, face one of the best defenses in the league. At the end of the day CJ Anderson could be the difference. He has not looked as good in the past few weeks as he did in week one, and my faith in him is dwindling. So I am playing the home field underdog card in this one, and hope the Chargers can once again keep things close, if not pull out the win.
Line: Den -3, O/U: 45
Pick: Chargers and the under
Result: SD 21- Den 13, Chargers and the under