Larry Ness
Larry Ness
Las Vegas Insider
(10-2 run with NFL Insiders!)
Norv Turner came under heavy criticism when the Chargers opened 1-3 (averaging just 17 PPG), after going 14-2 LY with the league's highest scoring offense. However, SD has now won EIGHT of its last 10 (averaging 29.1 PPG), covering all eight of its SU wins. SD would love to edge Pitt for the No. 2 seed, thereby avoiding a "cold trip" to New England in the divisional round, in favor of a climate-controlled visit to Indy (SD ties Pitt at 11-4 with a win and owns the tie-breaker). The Broncos will surely be a motivated opponent tonight, having lost 41-3 to SD in Denver, back in Week 5. The loss was Denver's worst since 1988 and was the worst home loss for the franchise since 1966! While Denver will be motivated, I don't think it will matter. Jim Bates (DC) was bought in this year and his new schemes have been a disaster, as Denver ranks 29th vs the rush and 30th in points allowed! Offensively, the running game is not up to snuff (OL injuries haven't helped) plus Cutler has had trouble all season finishing off drives. Cutler is now 5-14 ATS in his 19 starts, which includes a 1-6 mark in seven road games TY. While he has 18 TDPs and a 90.8 QB rating on the season, he's has just six TDPs on the road (seven games!) and a road QB rating of 79.4. Since winning at Buffalo in Week 1 (15-14 non-cover), Denver is 1-5 SU and ATS on the road, winning only at KC (has now lost EIGHT straight!). In those five losses, the Denver D has allowed 36.8 PPG and this will be the team's SIXTH road game in its last eight . Meanwhile, SD is 6-1 SU and ATS at home, winning and covering its last FIVE ( 33.8-14.6).
Las Vegas Insider on the SD Chargers.