Horse Tracks: Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers, 5 Bold Predictions

1. Manning will throw a TD pass, heads will explode

Nevermind that this 38 year old signal caller is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with 36. Nevermind the fact that he just engineered a 51-game streak in which he threw for at least one touchdown pass. Nevermind the fact that he is poised to put up his 3rd best statistical season of his career, Peyton Manning is washed up. Yeah....right. Look, Peyton Manning is not broken. The passing game will dominate again, and this is the game that reminds us of that.

2. The Broncos will jump back into the #1 seed in the AFC

This means two things. A Bronco win and a Patriot loss. For the first time since Bill Belichick sold his soul for excellence, the Patriots will drop a game to an AFC opponent in the regular season. Somehow it will be all the refs fault, and Bronco Mike couldn't care less. If you're following me, I have guaranteed three things in this heading, a Bronco win, a Patriot loss, and a screwjob for the Patriots by the referee crew....at least that's what every Patriot fan uses as an excuse when they lose.

3. Julius Thomas will suit up, and make little impact between the 20's, finding a mismatch in the redzone for a receiving touchdown.

The Broncos new redzone toy will flash his brilliance beating a LB/S bracket on a beautifully placed ball by Peyton Manning. Along the way, he will make as much impact between the 20's as Jacob Tamme, and will probably get CJ Anderson killed by missing a blocking assignment.

4. Chris Harris Jr. will celebrate his new contract with a pick six of Phillip Rivers.

There has never been a Bronco player I've been so proud of to don the orange and blue than Chris Harris Jr. He is one of ours. He cut his teeth making the league minimum, transitioned into ERFA territory and RFA territory before proving to the world, well, the Broncos that he is one of the best in the game. Wake up NFL! Patrick Peterson makes 140 million to give up 8 touchdowns per season. Even Revis Island and his 14 million dollar salary has been beaten more times in the endzone than Chris Harris Jr. Though it won't matter when the Broncos punch their ticket to the Super Bowl--snubbing Chris Harris Jr. twice in a row is as big an injustice as Simon Fletcher being left out of the Denver Broncos ring of game, or Randy Gradishar and Terrell Davis being left out of the pro football hall of fame.

5. Down by two touchdowns, with about 4 minutes left, facing a 4th down at the Bronco 45 yard line, Mike McCoy will John Fox all over himself.

How awesome is it to go into a game knowing that at least in this case, John Fox is the better coach than the guy on the other side? When in doubt run, run, pass Mike McCoy.

My Prediction

Broncos 31 Chargers 20

Horse Tracks

Denver's disdain for trash-talking Philip Rivers comes through loud, clear - The Denver Post
Philip Rivers remains Broncos' most popular villain

Broncos Q&A: Jason Elam glad to see No. 1 worn so well - The Denver Post
Connor Barth kicks off Broncos career well with perfection on field goals

Paige: Peyton Manning is washed up? Wash your mouth - The Denver Post
Manning is enjoying one of the top five statistical seasons of his 17-year career. His team could win 13 games for the third consecutive year.

Broncos lose Montee Ball for season | ProFootballTalk Broncos running back Montee Ball's season is over. The Broncos announced today that Ball has been placed on season-ending injured reserve. Ball has been dealing with a groin injury.

Freeney: Sunday might be last shot to sack Peyton - NFL.com
Dwight Freeney wants to sack Peyton Manning before he retires. The 34-year-old pass rusher knows that when the Chargers face the Broncos on Sunday, it might be his last chance to fulfill the goal.

Breaking down the Chargers offense
Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense remain among the league's best on third downs, but injuries have taken a toll on the interior of the O-line.

Breaking down the Chargers defense
San Diego's ability to disguise its intent before the snap causes problems, but edge rushers Melvin Ingram and Dwight Freeney are also a concern.

Mason's Mailbag: Foes testing Bradley Roby
Thoughts on the rookie cornerback, the recent run emphasis and more are in Andrew Mason's weekly dive into his mailbag.

Broncos-Chargers: Three Keys
The Broncos will go for their fourth consecutive AFC West title against their long-time nemesis.

Breaking down the Broncos' Saturday roster moves
Danny Trevathan's return from recallable injured reserve was just the beginning of quartet of moves forced by the injuries that have hit the team.