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the 2014 AFC Divisional Playoff matchup between these two teams, please go here: San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Pick.
San Diego Chargers(3-1 SU,1-3 ATS) at Denver Broncos(1-3 SU,1-3 ATS), Week5 NFL, Investco Field at Mile High, (Natural Grass) Denver CO, Sunday,October 9, 4:15 PM Eastern TV: CBS
By Jeff Hochman, Pro Handicapper, JH-Sportsline
Point Spread:SD -4/Den +4
Over/Under Total:47
Bet the Chargers/Broncos game using your credit card at an online sportsbook where it will work and that offers generous welcoming bonuses: BetOnline.
Old AFC West rivals meet for the first time this season when the up-startSan Diego Chargersinvade Mile High to play thestruggling Denver Broncos. Thismatchupwill feature two division rivals heading in opposite directions.
Last Week, San Diego defeated the Dolphins 26-16 as 7-point home favorites. The Chargers committed 8 penalties for 80 yards but still managed to out-gain Miami 411-248 on the football field. Philip Riverswas 21-of-31 for 307 yards and one touchdownwhile Mike Tolbert added a 1-yard touchdown with 9:23 to go in the 3rd quarter.
The Broncos lost 49-23 as 12-point road dogs to the reigning Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers last Sunday. Denver lost the yardage stats by 123 and have been out-gained in three straight and four of five. Aaron Rodgers threw for acareer-high 408 yards and tied a career best with four touchdown passes. Kyle Orton looked good and bad throwing three touchdowns, but also got picked three times.
San Diegois3-1 ITS (in the stats),and they do a great job on Special Teams and forcing turnovers. The Chargers have the No.5 ranked Special Teams units in all of football, which is a dramatic improvement over this time last season. They also have the No.4 rankedpassing offense atnearly 314yards per game, going against a Broncos’pass defense that allows 275 yards through the air. Denver is just 1-3 in the stats this season and thethree losses were not close. Something just isn’t right with this team!
MAKE THE BOLTS A +16 UNDERDOG BY PLACING
THEM INTO A 20 POINT TEASER AT 5DIMES
SPORTSBOOK
TheBroncos’offense has been high-octane, but this year has not been the air show of last season. The running game has been putrid to say the least. This has made Kyle Orton and theDenver Broncosa one-dimensional team. They average just86.8 rushing yards per game. Against the run, theBroncos have been solidso far this season allowing just over 101 yards per game. Look for the Chargers to spreadDenver’s D out with three and four receiver sets.
TheBroncos have a young secondary that likes to play a lot of bump-and-run coverage. They all can fly but have struggled with slants and curl routes. Champ Baily hasnot been healthy dealingwithhis hamstring injury. Baileyis listed as probable for this game. Vincent Jacksonhas 20 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns, an impressive average of 18.7 yards per catch. Only one receiver with a similar total of catches is averaging more yards (Carolina’s Steve Smith). Look for Champ Bailey to matchup with Jackson all game long.
The Chargers won both gameslast season and is 7-1-2 ATS last 10 meetings. The Broncos are 5-2 ATS as homeunderdogs of 3.5 to 7 points since 1993. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver’s last 6 games when playing San Diego. The Over is 7-1 in Denver’s last eight home games overall.
Jeff’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread:San Diego Chargers -4.
The Chargers have owned the Broncosand they enter this game with the better offense, defense, and special teams. Not the strongest of picks, but the road team should be the right side. Denver’s offensive line has been shaky while the Chargers o’line has been top-notch so far this season. The road chalk gets the call in this one.
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