The Los Angeles Chargers have quietly put together one of the best seasons in the NFL. They will host the struggling Denver Broncos in an AFC West Showdown during week 11 of the NFL season. This is the first meeting between these longtime rivals this season.
The Chargers have won six straight games and come into this contest with a 7-2 record. Los Angeles still trails the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, but are sitting just one game back in the loss column. Denver comes into this game with a 3-6 record, and they have lost six of their last seven games. The Chargers are a seven-point favorite over the Denver Broncos in this game.
Broncos Struggling On Offense
One of the biggest reasons for the Broncos’ poor record this season has been the underwhelming performance by the offense. Quarterback Case Keenum has struggled in his first season with the Broncos after having success in Minnesota. Keenum has thrown for 2,400 yards this season but has thrown 10 interceptions to just 11 touchdowns. Denver should get a boost on offense in this game as running back Royce Freeman will be back in the lineup after missing two games.
The Denver defense has given up 23.7 points per game this season, which is slightly better than league average. The Broncos will be without linebacker Brandon Marshall for the second straight game, and this could prove costly against the Chargers. Linebacker Von Miller leads the team with nine sacks this season and has also forced four fumbles. The Broncos could use a big game from Miller in this game.
Rivers Leading Los Angeles’ Charge
Quarterback Philip Rivers is having another monster season and has his Chargers team playing at a very high level. Rivers has completed over 67 percent of his passes this season while throwing for 2,459 yards and 21 touchdowns. Running back Melvin Gordon gives the Chargers balance on offense. Gordon is averaging 5.4 yards per carry this season and has scored eleven touchdowns for Los Angeles this season.
A huge surprise to Chargers and NFL fans this season has been the play of the Los Angeles defense. The Chargers have given up just 20.7 points per game this season which makes them a top-10 defense. Melvin Ingram has been a defensive force so far this season, registering 5.5 of the teams 26 sacks. Los Angeles could get a huge boost on defense in this game as Joey Bosa might play after missing the first nine games of the season.
Chargers Blow Past Broncos
These two teams have had some memorable battles in recent seasons, but there is a large gap in talent between the Chargers and Broncos in 2018. Denver appears to have one eye on the future while still trying to finish this season. The Broncos have struggled on both sides of the ball, and that trend should continue.
Philip Rivers has his Chargers offense rolling along, and they look like a Super Bowl contender this season. If Joey Bosa is able to return on Sunday, the Chargers suddenly have one of the best defenses in the NFL. This game shouldn’t be close, and it won’t be. Bet the Los Angeles Chargers -7.0 over the Broncos in this game.
