When the Broncos run
It was C.J. Anderson’s 39-yard touchdown run that first put the Broncos ahead in Denver’s 20-17 win over the Bengals. The Broncos coaching staff stuck with the run even after falling behind early and it ended up getting them back in the game. San Diego is giving on 4.7 yards per rush, third worst average in the NFL. Edge: Broncos
When the Chargers run
The Chargers are dead last in rushing facing the NFL’s best rush defense. Not a recipe for success. The Broncos are allowing a NFL-low 3.2 yards per carry average. They haven’t allowed a 50+ yard run all season. It starts up front with nose tackle Sylvester Williams and defensive end Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe. They’ve sealed the inside all year allowing Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall to become the first Broncos duo since 2009 to each eclipse 100 tackles. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The Broncos pass attack has been pedestrian in the second half for the majority of December, but they appeared to turn a corner when they unleashed the up tempo action against Cincinnati. Demaryius Thomas and Owen Daniels made some big catches down the stretch to keep the ball moving and the Broncos weren’t plagued by drops for the first time in a while. The Chargers will be without their leader on defense, safety Eric Weddle, who was placed on injured reserve. Edge: Broncos
When the Chargers pass
San Diego’s offensive line and receiving core has been ravished by injuries all season. Meanwhile, Denver is getting healthy at the right time. The Broncos secondary bounced back from the worst game of the season to limit the Bengals to just 90 yards in the second half and overtime. Chris Harris and Aqib Talib shut out A.J. Green after the first half. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Neither the Chargers nor the Broncos have got the type of production they would’ve liked from their return game this season. Chargers kicker Josh Lambo has been pretty shaky missing six field goals and four extra points this season. Denver kicker Brandon McManus is slowing down after a strong start, too. McManus has now missed a field goal or an extra point in his last five games. He hooked a 45-yard field goal that would have given the Broncos a win in regulation versus Cincinnati. Those are must-makes in the playoffs. Edge: Broncos
Get to the finish line
The injuries have been plentiful and the season has been long, but the Broncos are almost done with the regular season. They can’t take their foot off the pedal with one game to go. A win over San Diego will give the Broncos a much-needed bye to get a breather and give their injured guys an extra week to recover. On a short week, it’ll be key to take care of the football, know assignments on defense and don’t let the big play beat you. The Chargers would love to play spoiler.
Don’t let Philip win
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is one of the more fiery players in the NFL. Even at 4-11, Rivers will give his all to knock the Broncos out of a AFC West championship. Rivers is second in the NFL with 4,564 passing yards. His favorite weapon is running back Danny Woodhead leads the Chargers with 72 receptions, 704 yards and six touchdowns. Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who is nursing an ankle injury, would typically cover Woodhead.
Get it rolling, offense
The second half tempo offense was a great sign for the Broncos and that’s when Denver scored the majority of its points. As they prepare for the playoffs, they’ll need that offense more. Sunday will be another chance to show they can score enough to play deep into January. The Broncos have the fewest big plays (20+ yards) in the NFL over the last eight games. It’s time for Brock Osweiler to take a few more shots at Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. It’ll open up the offense and force defenses to play them true.
