John Woz, Jr. | November 29th, 2019
How does a team regress from 12-4 to 4-7 in less than 12 months? Just ask the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers vs Broncos Week 13 matchup features the AFC West stragglers. The Bolts have been woeful this season, avoiding a third straight defeat is the next goal for Anthony Lynn. The neutral will opt to avoid this game, but Chargers fans can relish the return of several key players.
Broncos Focus
The Denver Broncos have two capable offensive weapons in Phillip Lindsay and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos list Sutton as questionable. Keep an eye on his status, as the 2018 second-round pick is dangerous, with 16.6 yards per reception.
Lindsay has made a name for himself as a hard ball carrier, a back capable of moving the chains. The Browns were on the wrong end of Lyndsey’s runs in Week 12 when No.30 averaged 10.2 yards per attempt from nine carries. I don’t think the Broncos give Lindsay enough reps, but the Chargers must deal with him effectively on Sunday.
Lindsay Stats
| CARRIES | 147 |
| RUSHING YARDS | 708 |
| RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS | 5 |
| YARDS PER ATTEMPT | 4.8 |
| FUMBLES | 0 |
Denver’s offense struggles on 3rd downs, with a conversion rate of 27.7 percent. What is interesting is Denver’s ability to convert 4th downs. A 75 percent conversation rate is bettered only by the Ravens.
The imposing presence of Von Miller continues to lead Denver’s pass rush with six sacks, but a knee injury could keep him out of Sunday’s game. Todd Davis, in his sixth season, has had a positive effect with 78 total tackles and five tackles for loss. I’m backing Justin Simmons to pick Philip Rivers. Simmons has three interceptions against AFC West opposition, including one against Rivers in Week 5.
Chargers Keys to Victory
Rivers has not played well in recent weeks. The future looks uncertain for the veteran. I am not ready to write him off just yet, even though his completion percentage is 63.61. Never afraid to talk, Rivers addressed the recent criticism when he spoke to the media in midweek.
“I don’t necessarily try to seek it out. But I’m also not naive to it or don’t ignore it completely. I understand it. I know it comes with it. It’s not one of those things that I’m looking for extra motivation, or ‘I’ll show them’ or ‘I can’t believe they think that.’ I get it. You know, if I was in that locker room, I’d be upset with me too. Some of those things, it just comes with it, it comes with the position. And I understand that” Rivers said. – Via Chargers Wire.
Hunter Henry‘s ability to move the chains makes him a key player in Sunday’s matchup. Henry’s averaging 12.5 yards per reception. Use him effectively on 3rd downs and the Chargers can maintain meaningful drives. Shane Steichen must get more out of Henry in the Red Zone, rather than the predictability of using the go-to offensive weapons.
Pressure. I speak about it most weeks and this game is no different. The Broncos offensive line has given up nine sacks on Brandon Allen in three games. It’s time for Joey Bosa to have his best game of the season.
Chargers Injury Update
James and Phillips are day-to-day. Track their progress in the buildup to Sunday. The Bolts list Russell Okung, Mike Williams and Thomas Davis as questionable. Michael Davis is suspended.
Broncos Injury Update
The Broncos list Miller, Shelby Harris, Alexander Johnson, Tim Patrick, and Connor McGovern as questionable.
Final Word
Derwin James and Adrian Phillips are key components for Gus Bradley’s defense. At the time of writing, neither are active, but a return for both players will provide a huge boost to the 53 man roster.
Losing Miller and Harris will be a huge loss for Vic Fangio’s team. The Chargers won this matchup in 2018. I predict the Bolts will win by a field goal in a low-scoring game.
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