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QB: Phillip Rivers
RB: Ryan Matthews
FB: LeRon McClain
WR's: Malcolm Floyd, Robert Meachem
TE: Antonio Gates
OL: Michael Harris(LT), Tyronne Green (LG), Nick Hardwick(C), Louis Vasquez(RG), Jeromey Clary(RT)Chargers Offensive Rankings: Overall: 22nd Pass: 16th Rush: 18th
Broncos Offensive Rankings: Overall: 3rd Pass: 3rd Rush: 22nd
The Quarterbacks:
Chargers:
Phillip Rivers has been hit or miss the last few weeks. He'll make some good throws, then a head scratcher. On the year Rivers has 2203 yards 15 Td's and 12 Ints. Rivers is completing 68% of his passes has a QB rating of 89.3. The Broncos need to jump on Rivers mistakes like they did the last time they played. Rivers gets worse as the game goes on, i don't have the stats but Rivers is a terrible 2nd half QB this year. The Broncos really didn't give much up to Rivers the last time they played, it was more of their own doing. If they can get off to a clean start and get after Rivers and force him into mistakes, we should be good.
Broncos:
Peyton on the year has 2705 yards passing, 21 Td's and 6 Ints. Peyton had a historic comeback the last time he played the Chargers, lets hope it doesn't come to that this weekend. If Manning can continue his mistake free football and hit the open WR he should continue his success. Chargers have the 17th ranked pass defense, so look for Manning to try to make some plays against this San Diego secondary.
The Running Backs
Chargers:
Ryan Matthews has missed two straight practices, so it's not a given he will play. On the year Matthews has 112 carries for 475 yards and 1 Td. If he cannot go, or is limited look for Jackie Battle to get some carries. Battle on the year has 46 carries for 223 yards and 3 Td's. This isn't thr strongest run attack, but Matthews has had success against us in the past, but this is a different Denver Broncos defense. The Broncos held the Chargers rushing attack in check last time they played, so look for them to continue that this weekend.
Broncos:
The Broncos rushing attack has been struggling a bit in recent weeks, and Willis McGahee has a fumbling problem. McGahee has fumbled 5 times this year, and that's not acceptable at all. He's the only consistent runner that we have right now, so he'll continue to get touches, but if this continues look for someone to start getting more carries. McGahee on the year has 676 yards on 160 carries and has 4 TD's. McGahee is averaging a decent 4.2 yards per carry on the year. McGahee was mostly held in check the last time they played, so look for him to get carries to keep the defense honest.
The Receivers/Tight Ends:
Chargers:
Leading the way for the Chargers in catches is the veteran Malcolm Floyd. Floyd has 39 catches for 572 yards and 3 TD's. Running back Ronnie Brown has 35 catches for 298 yards, and Antonio Gates has 28 catches for 338 yards and a team high 4 TD receptions. Recently Denario Alexander has been lighting it up for the Chargers too. Alexander has 8 catches for 195 yards. That's a lofty 24.4 yards per catch. Look for Rivers to target Floyd and Gates often and a few deep throws to Alexander. Our secondary has been pretty good lately, so lets see if our secondary picks on Rivers again.
Broncos:
Demaryius Thomas leads the team with 54 catches for 891 yards and 4 TD's, behind him is Eric Decker who has 48 catches for 598 yards and 7 TD's. Those two have been pretty unstoppable this year. Last time these two played, Decker lead the way with 6 catches and a TD, while DT only had 2 catches, but a TD. Veteran Brandon Stokley has 28 catches for 332 yards and 4 TD's. Tight end Jacob Tamme has 30 catches for 259 yards and Joel Dreessen has 23 catches for 222 yards. Look for Manning to spread out his throws and take advantage of matchups.
Offensive Line:
Chargers:
The Chargers offensive line is ranked 21st in the league. They have allowed 22 sacks and 33 QB hits. Their run blocking has allowed Chargers runners to gain 950 yards rushing and an average of 3.9 yards. The Broncos pass rush has been dominant lately, so lets hope they can get after Rivers.
Broncos:
The Broncos offensive line ranks number 1 in the league right now. They have allowed a league low 11 sacks and 24 QB hits. They have been blocking quite well for Peyton. Broncos runners have gained 920 yards rushing behind this offensive line. Look for the Broncos to continue t0 block well for Manning.