Los Angeles Chargers: Staff predictions vs. Denver Broncos

The Los Angeles Chargers look to keep the tiny sliver of a playoff hope that they have alive with a road win against the Denver Broncos.

The Los Angeles Chargers are done this season, they are not going to make the playoffs. At least, I do not think they are going to make the playoffs even though they have not been mathematically eliminated from contention.

It would take a lot for the Chargers to somehow make the playoffs but it is possible and the funny thing is that if they win out they would actually have a somewhat decent chance because of the crowded AFC playoff picture. The problem is that they have given us no reason to believe that they will even win two of the last four games.

If the Chargers are going to get hot it has to be now, especially considering that Derwin James and Adrian Phillips are both returning to the defense this week. That won’t help much, though, if the Chargers’ O-line falls apart as it did last time it faced Denver.

It is an interesting division matchup, to say the least. Here is how we at LA Sports Hub expect it to go down.

Jamaal Artis (12-4): 21-13, Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have nothing to play for except revenge as they try to avoid being swept on the season by the Denver Broncos.

The Chargers go up to Denver which will be an advantage to Denver if inclement weather affects the field. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has struggled all year and his play may be further worsened by the weather and Denver’s mile-high altitude.

Hil Lopez (10-10): 23-17, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers come off their bye week with an encounter with their divisional rival the Denver Broncos. The Chargers have very slim hopes of making the playoffs and any chance of them making it will need to start with a win this Sunday.

The Chargers still have their potent offensive weapons in Keenan Allen and running backs Ekeler and Gordon. They also may be getting back safety Derwin James who they have sorely missed on the back end on defense.

Because of the potential addition of James this week, I see the Chargers pulling out a close game.

Redan Lopez (9-9): 28-18, Los Angeles Chargers

You never know what you are going to get with the Chargers. They team is like Dr.Jekyll/Hyde, completely good one game and completely opposite (bad, but not evil). Despite their 4-7 record, the Chargers still have an outside chance to make the playoffs.

There are a bunch of clubs bunched at 6-5 and 5-6, so if the Chargers can get some help and win out, its entirely possible they can get back to the postseason.

The Chargers have seemingly been always on the wrong side of close games this season, most recently in close losses to divisional rival Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Denver Broncos pose a much less offensive threat to the Chargers, especially because they will have backup QB Brandon Allen playing. This game is one for the tacking as the Chargers are the superior team both offensively and defensively.

The hope is that Quarterback Philip Rivers does not turn the ball over so much, as he has thrown seven interceptions the last two games. If Rivers can limit his turnovers, the Chargers should cruise in this game. Then again, you never know what to expect from him, hence the Jekyll/Hyde comparison.

Jason Reed (11-11): 26-10, Los Angeles Chargers

I really think that the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense is going to have a field day in this game against a mediocre Denver offense and put the offense in plenty of positions to succeed. I don’t even think this is going to be a pretty 26-point showing for the offense as most of it will come as a result of the defense and special teams.

I still cannot put faith in an aging Rivers behind an awful offensive line but I do think the Chargers can control the clock and tempo of this game if they get creative with their running back tandem.

This is a game that the Chargers should win. The team has split the season series with the Broncos each of the last three seasons and that streak should continue to four.