Game of the Week: Had referee Ed Hochuli not made a terrible call in Week 2, this would be no Game of the Week and the San Diego Chargers (7-8) would have already been crowned the winner of the AFC West over the Denver Broncos (8-7).
The Chargers were predicted as one of the most probable teams to win the Super Bowl during the offseason and are now on the verge of being shutout of the NFL playoffs. With a win over Denver this week at home, San Diego can clinch the pathetic AFC West division with a mediocre 8-8 record.
Although it might be the most disappointing team in the NFL this season, San Diego still has a chance to be a contender in the AFC this season. On fire as of late, the Bolts are lightning hot and should destroy the Broncos playoff hopes, which seemed inevitable just a few week’s ago when they held a three game advantage over the Chargers.
Quarterback Philip Rivers has won both of his regular season finale’s with the Chargers and San Diego has not lost to Denver at home since 2005. Although the Broncos hold the all-time series lead (53-43-1), the Chargers have won five of the last eight meetings and are favored to win by more than seven points. The Chargers should win by at least 10.
The winner of this game will hold home field advantage over the Indianapolis Colts in next Sunday’s playoff.
Prediction:
Denver Broncos 21
San Diego Chargers 41
OTHER PREDICTIONS IN BRIEF:
St. Louis @ Atlanta: Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has led his team to an improbable playoff run and the Falcons should soar over the Rams. Don’t expect the Falcons, however, to go far in the playoffs.
New England @ Buffalo: Even though the Patriots are 10-5, they have only a slight chance of making the playoffs. They must win this one in order to go, and a falling-apart Buffalo team is not likely to put up much of a fight. Pats win big in hopes of making the playoffs.
Kansas City @ Cincinnati: The 2-13 Chiefs and 3-11-1 Bengals square off in – quite possibly – the worst matchup of all time. Who would possibly want to watch, let alone pay to see, this game? Not I. Look for the Bengals to end the season on a good note, winning three straight!
Chicago @ Houston: The Bears need a win to keep hopes alive of winning the North and the Texans need a win to go 8-8, again. I’m leaning towards the playoff hopes over the even season dreams. If the Bears lose to a team that couldn’t beat the crummy Raiders last week, they most certainly don’t deserve to go anywhere, let alone the playoffs.
New York Giants @ Minnesota: Although it is uncertain as to whether the Giants will play all their starters, they looked too good last week against the Panthers to lose this one to the Vikings. The Vikings must win in order to keep their playoff hopes, but the Giants should crush those dreams.
Carolina @ New Orleans: This game means nothing to the Saints and the world to the Panthers. With a loss, the Panthers would become a wild card and have to play on the road throughout the playoffs. The Panthers have been perfect on the road and a mere 3-4 away. Expecting a rout by the Panthers.
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh: I don’t care who the Steelers rest this week, they will not lose to the Browns.
Oakland @ Tampa Bay: It would be shocking to see the Raiders win back-to-back to finish off the season. The Bucs are going to romp.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis: This could be a preview of the AFC Championship, but it won’t. Neither team is going to be playing for the win and both teams are likely to try to avoid injuring their starters. I’ll take the Colts because they are at home.
Detroit @ Green Bay: I don’t care if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t play for the Packers, somehow, someway, the Lions are going to lose. They are destined to become the first 0-16 team in NFL history.
Jacksonville @ Baltimore: The Ravens must win in order to secure a playoff spot, the Jaguars must win, well, actually, I can’t think of a reason why the Jags must win. They are done for this season and might as well just lose and get ready for next season.
Seattle @ Arizona: The sinking Seahawks stand no chance against the crashing Cardinals. Although the Cardinals are going to win the NFC West and this game, I’m not expecting them to win anything else this season.
Washington @ San Francisco: The Redskins started off superb in the early goings of the season and the 49ers, well, not so. The tides have changed, although the Niners aren’t playing superb (they are compared to their normal standards), they are more than capable of winning this game against the Redskins with jobs (Coach and QB) on the line.
Miami @ New York Jets: I cannot honestly separate these two teams, therefore I’m going to call a tie.
Dallas @ Philadelphia: The Cowboys need to be to gain a trip to the playoffs, and the Eagles would love nothing other than to prevent that from happening. The Cowboys have been disappointing this season and Tony Romo is one of the worst quarterbacks in the history of the month of December. Looking for an Eagle victory.
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