Los Angels Chargers
vs.
Denver Broncos
9/11/17
By Jason Green
The Chargers start their first season in L.A, in the Mile High City to take on AFC West division for Denver. L.A. was decimated by injuries last season and while Phillip Rivers had 21 IN he still passed for over 4,000 yards for the 4th straight season. Joey Bosa’ rookie campaign was a good one and he looks to take over a defense that ranked in the middle of the pack last season.
The Broncos finally decided on their QB in Trevor Siemian and while they have a legit WR corps RB C.J. Anderson has to stay healthy and the Von Miller led defense has to be solid again. Denver ranked 4th in the league on D last season, but they got iNConsistent play at QB and had trouble running the ball. If they do those things better this season the Broncos can get back to the playoffs.
This season the Chargers were 1-3 in the preseason and the Broncos were a perfect 4-0.
The home team won both Games last season between these teams and the home team has won five of the last eight Games between these division rivals.
Rivers had to be happy that WR Keenan Allen is healthy, as he missed most of last season. Even with a less than stellar WR corps Rivers put up legit numbers last season and with Allen back on the field he has his #1 target back. RB Melvin Gordan rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season and while he averaged less than Four yards per carry that may improve this season behind an offensive line that is healthy, which it wasn’t last season.
The Broncos will be led by their D again with Miller and Shane Ray (8 sacks last season) taking over for the retired DeMarcus Ware. The squad also has a great CB duo in Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., but can the Broncos move the chains? Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are solid WR’s and Anderson is a good RB when on the field, but Denver still only ranked 27th in the league last season on offense. Siemian has a lot of pressure on him and with backup Paxton LyNCh inured the team went out brought back Brock Osweiler, who was cut by the Browns.
The Chargers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Games overall, 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road Games, and in their last 6 Games they have an Under record of 4-1-1.
The Broncos are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 home Games, 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 Monday Games, and in their last 5 Games they have an Under record of 4-1.
The Chargers are 8-2-4 in their last 14 Games facing the Broncos in Denver.
Jason’s Pick: The Chargers have failed to cover the spread in their last five Games and only won one preseason Game. However, I think they will make this Game a close one with Rivers having a solid season opener. While the Bolts may not win they will keep it close and cover the spread.