The number one seed Denver Broncos will host the San Diego Chargers this Sunday in what is expected to be a great matchup. The division rivals will face each other for the third time this season, each took one game during the regular season. Here’s five keys to the AFC Divisional matchup.
5. Mile High Stadium
Home field is a huge advantage in the playoffs, and Mile High Stadium is a difficult place for opponents to win. With Peyton Manning under center, the Broncos are 14-3 at home, including last year’s divisional playoff loss against the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s expected to be a cold one, which could play in the Broncos favor.
The Chargers have gone into Denver and left with a win before, in fact they did it this season, beating the Broncos 28-20 on their home turf.
Denver is coming off a first round bye, and will have their fans on their side at Mile High. That and the weather conditions could easily play a big part in this game.
4. Run Game
Danny Woodhead has become a great offensive weapon for Rivers. In last week’s Wild Card matchup, Woodhead had 15 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. He’s fast and capable of creating a spark for the Chargers at any time. The Chargers need to have a solid run game to have further success in the playoffs, and Woodhead can help provide just that.
The Broncos will also have to establish a run game and will need the help of Knowshon Moreno. This season, Moreno had 251 carries for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns. If the Broncos are able to get the run game going along with the passing game, they will eat up more clock time and take control of the game.
3. Defense
The Broncos defense was hyped up this season, but didn’t quite live up to the expectation. They suffered injuries along the way, but their offense was such a force that a lack of defensive execution here or there didn’t matter.
The Chargers on the other hand have had a strong defense and have kept them in games this year. The Chargers are ranked tenth in total defense this year, with the Broncos at 14.
With both quarterbacks having trouble with turnovers, defense will be a key factor in this game. The Chargers will have their hands full dealing with “The Sheriff” while the Broncos will be busy with Rivers who is having a career year and coming off a very impressive road win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
2. Forget the Past
It’s easy to bring up stats and numbers of previous matchups and playoff numbers, but the guys on the field can’t think about that. This weekend’s game is a brand new matchup with a clean slate. Anything can happen in the playoffs.
Manning is 0-2 against Philip Rivers and the Chargers in the postseason. He has also been one and done in the playoffs eight times in his career, which is the most by any quarterback in the Super Bowl era. This is Manning’s thirteenth playoff appearance, the most ever by a starting quarterback; and he only has one ring. He will look to change that this year.
1. Limit Turnovers
Both quarterbacks have struggled with turnovers in the playoffs. It only takes one interception to provide a game changing play, and both Manning and Rivers have experienced this.
In 12 playoff games, Manning has committed 21 turnovers, most of which have been crucial to the game. Manning has created a reputation in the playoffs when it comes to his turnovers, as he has been known to throw multiple in a playoff game, unlike a typical regular season game for Manning.
Rivers has also had trouble with interceptions. The Chargers’ quarterback has thrown nine picks in eight playoff appearances. Unlike Manning who has 32 touchdowns to go along with his interceptions, Rivers only has nine touchdowns in the postseason.
Final Prediction
Broncos 24
Chargers 17