Los Angeles Chargers: Staff predictions for Broncos-Chargers
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Chargers return home after over a month of travel to host the Denver Broncos in the two team’s first matchup of the year.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos have a fun AFC West rivalry that naturally leads to close games nearly every time they play. No matter the talent level of the two sides, it always seems to be a good game when these two sides square off.
Well, that was not the case last time the two sides met. The Los Angeles Chargers blanked the Denver Broncos, 21-0, in the last matchup last season.
That game was at the StubHub Center and the Broncos did defeat the Chargers in Week 1 last season in Denver off a blocked field goal. There is no doubt that the Chargers want to avenge that and go 2-0 against Denver, especially in the midst of a playoff run.
On paper, the Chargers should have an easy day. LA is trending upwards while the Broncos are trending downwards. However, anything truly can happen in a division matchup. Here are our predictions for the game.
Jamaal Artis (13-1): 35-21, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers get a home game against the Denver Broncos and the big story is if Joey Bosa will finally play. Bosa has been out all year with a foot injury; his impact on defense will only change the score. Look for the Chargers to extend their win streak to 7 games.
Lamarr Fields (12-4): 27-17, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers will win this game with Melvin Gordon dominating in the run and passing game. Philip Rivers will complete some deep passes to keep the Broncos honest. The Chargers defense will force Case Keenum into committing turnovers.
Redan Lopez (11-3): 31-20, Los Angeles Chargers
This is an easy one. The Broncos are no match for the Chargers. Chargers running back Melvin Gordon will have a huge game on the ground.
Philip Lindsay for the Broncos will have a solid game running the football until the v 2nd half. The Broncos will fall behind and have to start throwing the ball, something they haven’t done well all season.
The Chargers should run away with this game midway through the 3rd quarter and never look back.
Jason Reed (15-2): 24-7, Los Angeles Chargers
This is going to be a big game for Melvin Gordon, who is coming up against a run defense that allows the seventh-most rushing yards per game this season.
Gordon has been great all season long but is yet to have that breakout game that defines a season. Every elite running back seems to have at least one of these games in a season and Gordon is due for one against Denver.
With Gordon dictating the offense and tempo, the Chargers will not score as many points as you would think as the team is going to be eating the clock. The defense is going to be swarming Case Keenum and should hold up against the running attack.
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This will lead to a game that gets out of hand early for the Broncos and the Chargers will coast to their seventh win in a row.