Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts to quiet down the crownd in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
In an AFC West showdown, Peyton Manning and the 7-1 Denver Broncos will visit Philip Rivers and the 4-4 San Diego Chargers. This game features two of the best passing attacks in football, as both Manning and Rivers are ranked in the top four among QBs in terms of passing touchdowns and passing yards per game.
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
When: November 10, 2013, 4:25 p.m. ET
Watch: CBS
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind
Broncos Player to Watch: Wes Welker
Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA;Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
You can really pick any Broncos receiver to watch in this game, as San Diego’s pass D is soft enough to allow huge days to the whole trio, but Welker has been the best of the bunch this season. He leads receivers in the NFL this season with nine TD catches. If the Chargers blitz Manning as they say they will, he will be finding Welker all day on short, quick passes.
Chargers Player to Watch: Keenan Allen
Nov 3, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Redskins defeated the Chargers 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Since Week 5, Allen has been one of the best receivers in the league. The rookie from Cal is by far Rivers’s favorite wideout, and he seems to only get better each week. There’s no doubt that the Chargers will be throwing Sunday, which means Allen will see double digit targets. He’s primed for another big game.
Matchup to Watch: Danny Woodhead vs. Broncos D
Oct 20, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) runs in open field in the second quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Woodhead should be ready to go after he was inches away from the game-winning touchdown last week. Against this Denver defense, he will be used in a multitude of ways, both as a runner and receiver. The Broncos defense is below-average as it is, they won’t be able to match the creativity the Chargers use to get Woodhead the ball.
Prediction
November 18, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers (17) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
As expected, this game will be a shootout. The talent on the defenses of both these teams just pales in comparison to that on the offensive side of the ball. Coming off a bye, the Broncos offense should be fully dialed up, but it won’t be easy on the road against a divisional rival in the Chargers.
Broncos 41, Chargers 31