NFL Playoffs: City Of Champions Staff Picks The Divisional Round Winners
By Matt Gajtka
San Diego Chargers (10-7) at Denver Broncos (13-3), Saturday at 4:40 p.m. ET on CBS
Gajtka: Intra-divisional playoff matchups are usually closer than the talent disparity might dictate, simply because there are few secrets when teams battle for the third time in five months. I see that as being the case in Denver, with the hot Chargers pulling off another upset to reach the AFC title tilt. This could be the best game of the weekend. Prediction: Chargers 34, Broncos 31.
Dec 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback
Peyton Manning(18) passes in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The San Diego Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Shetler: The Chargers were the last team to beat the Broncos and they did it in Denver. While I like the way San Diego is playing, their luck is about to run out. Stopping Andy Dalton is one thing, but stopping Peyton Manning is a different animal altogether. Broncos 30, Chargers 20.
Weiss: For the love of Rivers’ seven kids, this should have happened last round. Broncos lost to the Chargers on NFL Network on Dec. 12 and want to avenge this loss. Broncos are more talented in every facet and every position. Broncos 41, Chargers 20.
Snyder: The Denver offense has the second most plays of 20-plus yards this season with 77. I like the Mile High home-field advantage. Broncos 28, Chargers 24.
Tunno: San Diego’s luck runs out, as Manning and the high-powered (and rested) Broncos steamroll Rivers and the Chargers. Though these teams are familiar with one another, the Broncos will be looking for revenge at home. Broncos 45, Chargers 17.
McDowell: Rivers faces a mediocre Denver defense, but it won’t matter. What matters is the Chargers defense takes on Manning, not Dalton in Round 2. Broncos 37, Chargers 24.
STAFF TOTAL: BRONCOS 5-1
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