Vin+ 3,121 Posted December 12, 2013 http://hosted.stats.com/fb/preview.asp?g=20131212007&home=7&vis=24 (AP) -- Any mid-season signs of the Denver Broncos' offense coming down to Earth have been silenced by their big numbers in consecutive weeks against respectable defenses. The San Diego Chargers have fit that description the last two weeks, and their slim playoff hopes now hinge on containing Peyton Manning on Thursday night and handing the Broncos their first home loss of the season. The Broncos (11-2) are in the AFC West driver's seat after clinching a playoff spot and putting up a season-high 551 yards in Sunday's 51-28 win over Tennessee. Their 1,086 offensive yards in the last two weeks is their best two-game stretch of the season. Wrapping up a postseason berth doesn't change much for the team going into Week 15. "I guess you have some security but our job is not finished – winning this division is number one and winning this conference is number two," wide receiver Eric Decker told the team's official website. "And we have to make sure that we get better as a team as a whole. We have a big goal and expectations for this year and that's just one week at a time and grinding away." At 6-7 following Sunday's 37-14 home win over the New York Giants, the Chargers don't have any room for error in their final three games. "I can't wait," linebacker Jarret Johnson said. "It's going to be a great challenge. As a competitor and an athlete in the NFL, these are the opportunities you want. We worked ourselves into a hole and we have to depend on other people, but the only thing we're focusing on is what we can control, and right now that's Denver." Controlling Denver, however, has rarely happened this year. Manning has thrown for 800 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in the last two weeks, and his 39 completions against the Titans set a team record. With 45 TDs on the season, he is five shy of matching Tom Brady's single-season record from 2007 - which eclipsed Manning's then-record of 49 set with Indianapolis in 2004. He can match that personal best with another big performance - he's thrown at least four TDs seven times this season - though he'll likely have to do so without one of his top targets, Wes Welker. The slot receiver is doubtful for this contest after leaving Sunday's game with his second concussion in four games. The Broncos, however, have relied on plenty of weapons this season. Welker scored against the Titans, making the Broncos the first team in NFL history to have four players with at least 10 touchdowns. Tight end Julius Thomas returned from a two-game absence due to a knee injury and caught his 11th TD pass of the year to join Demaryius Thomas for the receiving team lead and set a franchise record for tight ends in just 11 games. Running back Knowshon Moreno leads Denver with 12 overall - 10 rushing and two receiving. Decker isn't far off from becoming the fifth with his eight TD catches. "All year, we've been talking about how dynamic our entire offense is," Julius Thomas said. "There are guys that maybe hadn't been getting as many touches in the beginning of the season. Now, they're going out there and they're showing everybody what they can do." The Broncos have won four straight against the Chargers, including a 28-20 win in San Diego on Nov. 10, though the Chargers held the Broncos to a season-low 397 yards. San Diego's 23-point win over the Giants was its largest margin of victory since a 38-10 win on Sept. 16, 2012 against Tennessee. And after allowing a total of 31 points in the last two weeks against Cincinnati and the Giants, San Diego's confidence is high. "That is one of our better all-around games," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said. "Overall, in all three phases, guys were making plays. It was different guys. We might not have thrown for X number of yards, but (it's) the way we won the game." Philip Rivers went 21 of 28 for 249 yards with three TDs, no interceptions and a season-high passer rating of 137.4. The Chargers jumped out to a 24-0 halftime lead. And that's basically how they lost to Denver last month, falling behind 28-6 on the first possession of the second half. "The last time we played them, we made a number of mistakes that hurt us," McCoy said. "There were a number of things that happened where we made some critical mistakes. We have learned from those mistakes, but that is every game. I think, without a doubt, the way we have played at times this year, the players know we can win." Great TNF game, or greatest TNF game? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted December 12, 2013 No Welkah, no problum Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theMileHighGuy 656 Posted December 12, 2013 San Diego really needs this game to stay in the hunt, they will be at the top of their game. Manning and Rivers are both really hot right now as well. @ Mile High though and still chasing the number one seed, I think it will turn out similar to week 10. 35 28 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted December 12, 2013 Many points will be scored as our corners and safeties get picked on relentlessly. Hoping Montee has a big game and we can establish dominance running and passing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seanbrock 1,684 Posted December 12, 2013 Definite upset potential here. Probably comes down to a big turnover. Should be a great game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted December 12, 2013 (edited) https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/411158807688257536 Edited December 12, 2013 by Vin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BradyFan81 404 Posted December 12, 2013 I don't see this one being close at all. Prob won't even watch, will just check the score in the 3 rd qtr. Peyton throws 5 TD passes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted December 12, 2013 I always hate paying the Chargers, since they usually give us hell. The weather looks like it'll be pretty mild at least. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted December 13, 2013 Keenan Allen (shoulder) is active for Week 15 against the Broncos. As is Eddie Royal (toe). Allen's shoulder injury wasn't a concern after he got in a full week of practice. He's a high-end WR2 in a game that has shootout potential Inactive for the Chargers are CB Johnny Patrick, S Brandon Taylor, OT Kenny Wiggins, WR Lavelle Hawkins, OG Steve Schilling, NT Kwame Geathers and QB Brad Sorensen. Champ Bailey (foot) is inactive for Week 15 against the Chargers. It's the 11th game Bailey has missed this season. He's week to week. Also inactive for the Broncos are WR Wes Welker, RB C.J. Anderson, OG Chris Kuper, LE Derek Wolfe, C J.D. Walton and QB Zac Dysert. With Anderson inactive, Ronnie Hillman will serve as the Broncos' No. 3 running back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seanbrock 1,684 Posted December 13, 2013 I don't see this one being close at all. Prob won't even watch, will just check the score in the 3 rd qtr. Peyton throws 5 TD passes Rivers could too though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KempBolt 498 Posted December 13, 2013 I don't see this one being close at all. Prob won't even watch, will just check the score in the 3 rd qtr. Peyton throws 5 TD passes HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted December 13, 2013 I think the Chargers are gonna make the playoffs now. The Broncos were the hardest test remaining, and with them out of the way, they should be able to knock off the Raiders and Chiefs to win out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATL_Predator+ 1,196 Posted December 13, 2013 Denver's postseason collapse is starting early Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seanbrock 1,684 Posted December 13, 2013 Denver's postseason collapse is starting early Chicago's does next week bitch 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KempBolt 498 Posted December 13, 2013 I think the Chargers are gonna make the playoffs now. The Broncos were the hardest test remaining, and with them out of the way, they should be able to knock off the Raiders and Chiefs to win out. I think we'll win out, but we need the Ravens and Dolphins to each lose 2 out of 3. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted December 13, 2013 Dolphins: Pats @ Bills Jets Ravens: @ Lions Pats @ Bengals The Dolphin's remaining sched is concerning, but I have faith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATL_Predator+ 1,196 Posted December 13, 2013 Denver's postseason collapse is starting early Chicago's does next week bitch Fear the Baroo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted December 13, 2013 Rivers gave one of the best interviews I've seen after the game: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000297526/article/philip-rivers-no-one-gave-the-chargers-a-chance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBen07 285 Posted December 14, 2013 by 7. Wow. Got the result right but the wrong team. Hats off to San Diego for shutting down Denver's offense, and good luck in the playoff push. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vin+ 3,121 Posted December 30, 2013 I think the Chargers are gonna make the playoffs now. The Broncos were the hardest test remaining, and with them out of the way, they should be able to knock off the Raiders and Chiefs to win out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted December 30, 2013 Knew that was coming. LOL Dolphins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
