(Photo: The Sporting Tribune)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 16
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
Broncos: Last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts was their biggest game in eight seasons. They have a winning record, if the playoffs started today, they’d be in and it took some time to get to this point, but they’re here and I like to see it. After countless Head Coaches coming in and out along with Quarterback after Quarterback, consistency has finally set in. Sean Payton has shown he’s still one of the best coaches in the league and he isn’t the product of Drew Brees. I also think they’ve found their franchise Quarterback in Bo Nix. I saw someone about a month ago refer to the Broncos as the “Saints of the West” and I like that comparison because that’s exactly what Sean has turned them into. They have a nice passing attack with the young Quarterback and young receivers, and with Sean, the offense is always going to be a top priority. It doesn’t matter who’s open, but when you are, you are getting the ball. I know that Jayden Daniels was a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but Bo Nix would like to have a word. He’s been excellent this year and the coach deserves some Coach of the Year consideration, especially with them in playoff contention. This is also a team I wouldn’t want to face in January and I’m not saying they’ll win a playoff game, but they’ll be a tough out for any team facing them. Tonight, they kick off week 16 at SoFi.
Chargers: They’ve struggled after that win in Atlanta. When I saw them play against the Chiefs, they beat themselves fundamentally and what I mean is they didn’t capitalize upon opportunities such as catching passes, stalling in the red zone, and settling for field goals instead. I’ve always said when you play the Chiefs, you have to throw punches first and score when the opportunity presents itself. They lost that game by two points. Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they were embarrassed and gave up 40 points to Baker Mayfield and the crew. Watching the Chargers these last few weeks, their offense has been struggling and things seem to have fallen off after losing JK Dobbins to an injury. Look at how fluidly they were moving the football with him compared to how they are without him, you see a major difference. I feel the Chargers need more offensively, could you imagine a guy like Tee Higgins on this roster now? Don’t get me wrong, Ladd McConkey has been great for them, but they need those possession guys and Quentin Johnston is good, but he struggles to stay healthy. If you don’t have the weapons around your Quarterback, you won’t succeed. Despite the recent struggles, they are still in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the AFC. This is a big game tonight at home with the Broncos in town.
Broncos X-Factor: Zach Allen– There are many playmakers on this Denver defense and Zach is one of them! He provides that pressure up the middle and will do all he can to be disruptive such as forcing fumbles and of course, sacking the Quarterback. Zach’s efforts to pressure are so relentless and he never stops until he gets home. He’s also strong in stopping the run as well. Zach does most of his damage from the interior of the defensive line and always seems to be involved in tackles. Watch for number 99 tonight and his efforts.
Chargers X-Factor: Joshua Palmer– Someone needs to attempt to get this offense jump started and I think this could be the guy to do so! If you watch the tape on him, he’s always open! What Tyler Lockett is to the Seattle Seahawks is what Joshua Palmer is to the Los Angeles Chargers as he can line up wide on the perimeter and in the slot, but no matter where you put him, you can bet you will get production from him. He’s a quick receiver that can run over the middle and stretch the field vertically. Joshua will make you pay if you don’t zoom in on him.
Final Thoughts: This is a big game in the AFC Wild Card picture and if the postseason were to start today, the Broncos would be the sixth seed and the Chargers would be the seventh which would mean three teams from the AFC West could possibly be in the playoffs come January. When these two last met, the Chargers were able to escape with a close victory in Denver which can be a tough place to play. Now, they meet tonight with playoff positioning on the line. The Chargers need a win in the worst way after losing back-to-back games and the Broncos are hot as we speak. Both of these teams have relied heavily on defense to prevail and I see that taking place tonight. Speaking of that defense, the Broncos will make life tough for Justin Herbert, and knowing Vance Joseph, he will throw many different looks at the Quarterback whether it’s blitzes or stunts, plus, they must limit the Chargers’ running game. Also, can Denver find a running game? That could be tough against this Chargers front. For the Chargers, can the offense get it going early on and can they prevent dropping into an early hole? Denver must also take much better care of the ball if they want a chance to win because Nix has turned the ball over five times in their last two games. The Broncos need to show they can convert in key situations. I’m taking Denver tonight in a closely contested battle.
Prediction: Broncos 22, Chargers 17
