Gambling Matchup Week 5 – San Diego Chargers vs Denver Broncos
The San Diego Chargers (3-1) have a chance to knock off a division rival and put up their third of the season when they take on the Denver Broncos (1-3) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday.
San Diego v Denver
Venue/Stadium: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Time/Date: 4:15 PM ET, Sunday, October 9, 2011
NFL Odds From: 5 Dimes
Spread (ATS): San Diego -2
Over/Under: 46
Most years, the outcome of this game could have a real impact on the playoff picture come December, but as the Broncos free fall continues, they’ll be happy to simply put up a win. For Norv Turner and the Chargers, the Broncos are little more than a speed bump on the way to bigger and better things.
It’s impossible to look at the Broncos without addressing their deeply dysfunctional quarterback situation. Head coach John Fox has repeatedly voiced his support for veteran starter Kyle Orton, despite his dismal 6-20 record as a starter. This comes despite a frenzy of fan support for bringing in backup quarterback, and Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow.
Last time these two teams met Tebow started for the Broncos and very nearly pulled the upset while leading the team back from a 26-7 hole. Denver went on to lose that one 33-28 despite Tebow throwing for 205 yards and running for 94. Still, it’s unlikely Tim will see much, if any, playing time on Sunday.
The Broncos are desperate for a win after being thoroughly abused by the Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a 49-23 rout last week. Rodgers spent most of that afternoon toying with the hapless Denver defense like a cat toys with its prey. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
San Diego comes into Sunday’s game feeling like they’re on a roll. Last week they knocked off the Dolphins 26-16 and are beginning to gel as a team. Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers has not exactly lit up the board a lot this season, but he’s completing close to 69 percent of his passes and has five touchdowns.
Rivers and the Charger offense have been playing well despite the loss of Pro-Bowl tight end Antonio Gates, who is out for the second consecutive week with plantar faciaiitis. But Denver shouldn’t get too excited, Matt Stafford, a second year player out of the University of Georgia has been performing well in Gates absence.
While this game may not be a “must win” for the Denver Broncos, it’s definitely a chance for Orton and company to start winning back fan support. Should they drop this one, those fan chants of, “Tebow, Tebow, Tebow,” are likely to get a lot stronger.
Denver’s best hope for victory lies on their newly rejuvenated defensive line. Rookie Von Miller and veteran Elvis Dumerville are capable of pressuring Rivers into making mistakes. Rivers has already throw six interceptions this year and there’s no reason to think he won’t throw another on Sunday. But getting the ball back in the hands of Orton and the offense won’t do much if they can’t convert.
There’s no reason why San Diego should lose this game. Denver is a mess right now and the Chargers are coming together as a unit.
Both the Chargers and the Broncos are 1-3 ATS.
Matt’s Prediction: San Diego 28-14
Welcome to the CappersPicks.com Week 5 NFL football predictions! We KNOW you will find our FREE weekly NFL football picks, tips, betting advice, strategies, NFL Football gambling articles and more to help you become the best NFL football bettor on your block!!
