The Broncos sit at 5-5 currently but can leap to first place in the AFC West with 2 straight wins as they play the Chargers and Chiefs next. Wait seriously? No way! Yes it is true that the Broncos just need 2 straight wins to be the division leaders at the time being. Despite the loss to the Eagles and everyone being down on them, the Broncos still control their own destiny for their playoff hopes as they don't have to rely on certain teams to win or lose. Also, the loss to the Eagles may not be as bad as we thought as the Eagles pummeled the best rushing defense in the Saints and ran for more than 200+ yards against them and have won 3 of their last 4. Now onto the Chargers!
1. Run it Down Their Throat!
The Chargers rank last in rush defense giving up 145.1 yards per game. That's one worse than even the winless Detroit Lions. The Broncos fortunately have 2 great running backs in Javonte and Melvin. Melvin has had some fumbling issues in recent weeks but it does not take away the fact he is having a very nice season. The Broncos offense need to run the ball at-least 35+ times. I know everyone wants Patrick and Sutton to have big games especially after them getting extended during the bye week but the main focus this week must be centered on the running game. Patrick and Sutton could still have a big game if Denver can make the Chargers respect the run enough to where both of them have 1 on 1s on the outside. The Chargers have struggled big time vs teams that can run the ball. They lost to the Cowboys, Ravens, Vikings, Patriots, and came down to the wire vs the Browns and Eagles. All these teams can consistently pound the rock. The teams the Chargers have beat semi-convincingly are Washington, KC, and Vegas. Those 3 teams do not run the ball consistently and therefore can't exploit the achilles heel of the Chargers.
2. Chubb Returns!
The Broncos are optimistic Bradley Chubb will be able to play this week as Vic Fangio said he looked good in practice. Getting him back is going to be absolutely huge as he is one of those players a defense has to game plan for. As the attention starts being directed toward Chubb on game day, opportunity will be abundant for players such as Jonathan Cooper and Malik Reed to increase their already impressive productivity. With Von gone, it is on Chubb's shoulders to create that force up front that can help open up for the rest of the team as Denver at times has been very inconsistent rushing the passer. Chubb may be on a pitch count and his impact as a pass rusher could be limited but his presence alone can open up so much for the D-line. It is imperative the Broncos get pressure on Herbert as we all saw what he did to the Steelers without TJ Watt. He carved up the Steelers defense for 382 yards and 3 TDs and had no pressure in his face for most of the night.
3. Playoff Push!
Sunday's game is as close to a must win it can be. The difference between 5-6 and 6-5 in a division where first place has only one less loss than last place is paramount. A win here ties them with the Chargers at 6-5 and since they won, it would place them ahead of the Chargers at second place depending on whether the Raiders win or lose as it seems likely they will fall to Dallas on Thanksgiving. If they come out victorious on Sunday their Sunday Night showdown vs Kansas City would be for first place. Now how cool would that be! It would be nice to finally play a meaningful primetime game this late in the season. I know Broncos country is unhappy with the team at the moment but we are still in the thick of things.
Here we go!
Predictions:
Broncos 31-24
Teddy: 250 yards 1 TD
Melvin and Javonte: 180+ yards and 3 TDs
Defense: 3 sacks and 1 turnover
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