Divisional Round Picks: Chargers v Broncos

Sunday 4:40 PM ET CBS

Chargers (9-7) Broncos (13-3)

 

 

 

 

 

NFL REGULAR SEASON RANKINGS

 

Total Offense-          Chargers: 24th         Broncos: 26th  

Passing-                   Chargers: 30th         Broncos: 29th   

Rushing-                  Chargers: 3rd            Broncos: 11th   

Total Defense-         Chargers: 5th            Broncos: 2nd    

Pass Defense-         Chargers: 4th            Broncos: 6th    

Rush Defense-        Chargers: 26th          Broncos: 2nd  
  

The goal is clear: Keeping Manning off the field. The Chargers are the only team to hold Peyton's Broncos to under 400 yards -- and they did it twice this season.

The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers split their series this season. As a matter of fact, the only three teams the Broncos lost to this season are the three teams left in the AFC playoffs—the Chargers, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots! *the plot thickens*

In the Chargers' Week 15 win over the Broncos, San Diego's defense limited Manning to seven yards per attempt and picked him off once, but it was their offense—led by rookie receiver Keenan Allen (2 TD’s) and running back Ryan Mathews (127 yards and a TD)—that made the biggest difference. However, Mathews may not be available for this one.
Look for Manning to shake the playoff ghost that haunts him of not getting it done in the post season. He has too many weapons for the Chargers defense to match up with, and he's not going to lose to a team that handed him his last loss.

Pick: Broncos

Confidence: 4