Thursday Night Football. Chargers At Broncos. Stats, trends and more.

[TheGame]

San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

- The San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. Last time out for San Diego, they were a 37-14 winner as they battled the Giants at home. The Chargers covered in the match as a 4-point favorite, while 51 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors. The Broncos were a 51-28 winner in their most recent outing at home against the Titans. They covered the 13-point spread as favorites, while the total score (79) made winners of OVER bettors. Current streak: Denver has won 2 straight games. Team records: San Diego: 6-7 SU, 7-5-1 ATS Denver: 11-2 SU, 8-5 ATS San Diego most recently: When playing in December are 6-4 When playing on grass are 5-5 After outgaining opponent are 4-6 When playing within the division are 6-4 Denver most recently: When playing in December are 8-2 When playing on grass are 9-1 After outgaining opponent are 8-2 When playing within the division are 10-0 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver San Diego is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver The total has gone OVER in 17 of San Diego's last 25 games on the road Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home Denver is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games at home The total has gone OVER in 12 of Denver's last 14 games Next up: San Diego home to Oakland, Sunday, December 22 Denver at Houston, Sunday, December 22

[TheGame]

SAN DIEGO - Current Season Performance Straight Up Against Spread Team Opponent W-L Units W-L O-U Score Half Yards YPP TO Score Half Yards YPP TO All Games 6-7 -1.3 7-5 6-7 24.3 11.7 400.2 (6.3) 1.3 22.4 10.2 382.3 (6.6) 1.1 Road Games 3-4 -1.3 3-3 3-4 24.6 10.1 429.9 (6.7) 1.6 24.4 10.1 407.6 (7) 0.7 Last 3 Games 2-1 +1.3 2-1 2-1 29.3 13.7 404.3 (6.2) 1.3 23.0 7.0 360.7 (6.4) 2.3 Grass Games 6-7 -1.3 7-5 6-7 24.3 11.7 400.2 (6.3) 1.3 22.4 10.2 382.3 (6.6) 1.1 Division Games 1-2 -2.3 1-2 1-2 26.0 5.3 414.3 (6.3) 1.7 31.0 17.3 363.7 (6.6) 1.0

SAN DIEGO - Current Season Statistics Rushing Passing Total PPG Half FD TOP ATT-YDS YPR CMP-ATT PCT YDS PYA ATT-YDS YPP YPPT Offense (All Games) 24.3 11.7 23.5 32:50 28-112 (3.9) 25-36 70.4% 289 (8.1) 64-400 (6.3) (16.5) Opponents Defensive Avg. 24.7 12.2 20.7 31:34 27-115 (4.2) 22-36 61.3% 246 (6.8) 64-361 (5.7) (14.6) Offense Road Games 24.6 10.1 25.3 32:12 27-106 (4) 27-38 72.5% 323 (8.5) 64-430 (6.7) (17.5) Defense (All Games) 22.4 10.2 20.9 27:38 24-115 (4.8) 23-34 67.1% 267 (7.9) 58-382 (6.6) (17.1) Opponents Offensive Avg. 23.8 11.6 20 30:52 27-115 (4.3) 22-36 60.8% 238 (6.6) 63-353 (5.6) (14.8) Defense Road Games 24.4 10.1 22.0 28:40 24-124 (5.1) 23-34 66.4% 284 (8.3) 58-408 (7) (16.7)

[TheGame]

DENVER - Current Season Performance Straight Up Against Spread Team Opponent W-L Units W-L O-U Score Half Yards YPP TO Score Half Yards YPP TO All Games 11-2 +5.2 8-4 11-2 39.6 17.8 465.8 (6.4) 1.9 26.5 13.0 374.2 (5.7) 1.8 Home Games 7-0 +5 5-1 6-1 42.3 17.1 478.4 (6.4) 1.7 21.9 12.4 344.4 (5.4) 1.7 Last 3 Games 2-1 +0.8 2-1 3-0 39.0 19.3 499.3 (6.2) 2.0 30.0 14.0 382.0 (5.9) 2.0 Grass Games 9-0 +7 7-1 7-2 39.9 17.2 475.7 (6.6) 1.7 22.3 12.7 354.7 (5.5) 1.4 Division Games 4-0 +3 3-0 2-2 31.7 19.7 473.7 (7) 1.5 21.5 11.0 366.7 (5.9) 0.5

DENVER - Current Season Statistics Rushing Passing Total PPG Half FD TOP ATT-YDS YPR CMP-ATT PCT YDS PYA ATT-YDS YPP YPPT Offense (All Games) 39.6 17.8 27.9 30:59 31-125 (4) 28-42 67.9% 341 (8.2) 73-466 (6.4) (11.8) Opponents Defensive Avg. 23.8 11.7 20.8 30:23 27-117 (4.3) 22-36 61.3% 252 (7) 64-369 (5.8) (15.5) Offense Home Games 42.3 17.1 29.7 32:08 32-121 (3.8) 30-43 69.8% 357 (8.3) 75-478 (6.4) (11.3) Defense (All Games) 26.5 13.0 21.8 30:02 25-100 (3.9) 24-40 59.1% 274 (6.9) 65-374 (5.7) (14.1) Opponents Offensive Avg. 23.2 11.2 19.9 30:56 27-114 (4.2) 21-35 60.6% 232 (6.5) 62-346 (5.5) (14.9) Defense Home Games 21.9 12.4 19.9 27:52 25-99 (4) 22-39 55.8% 245 (6.3) 64-344 (5.4) (15.8)

[TheGame]

ATS Trends

San Diego

Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Chargers are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Chargers are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win. Chargers are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win. Chargers are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Chargers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 14 points.

Denver

Broncos are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games. Broncos are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games in December. Broncos are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. AFC West. Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Broncos are 7-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Broncos are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 home games. Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC. Broncos are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Broncos are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS win. Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 15.

OU Trends

San Diego

Under is 7-1 in Chargers last 8 vs. AFC. Over is 6-1 in Chargers last 7 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-1-1 in Chargers last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 4-1 in Chargers last 5 games following a S.U. win. Under is 4-1 in Chargers last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 3-1-1 in Chargers last 5 Thursday games. Over is 6-2 in Chargers last 8 vs. AFC West. Under is 9-3 in Chargers last 12 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Over is 41-19-4 in Chargers last 64 road games.

Denver

Over is 6-0-1 in Broncos last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 5-0-1 in Broncos last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 13-3 in Broncos last 16 games in Week 15. Over is 12-3-1 in Broncos last 16 games following a SU win of more than 14 points. Over is 16-4-1 in Broncos last 21 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Over is 23-7-1 in Broncos last 31 home games. Over is 19-6-1 in Broncos last 26 games following a S.U. win. Over is 15-5-1 in Broncos last 21 games following a ATS win. Over is 41-14-1 in Broncos last 56 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 23-8-2 in Broncos last 33 games in December. Over is 20-7 in Broncos last 27 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 49-19-1 in Broncos last 69 games overall. Under is 5-2 in Broncos last 7 Thursday games. Over is 36-15-1 in Broncos last 52 vs. AFC. Over is 37-18-1 in Broncos last 56 games on grass.

Head to Head

Chargers are 5-0-4 ATS in their last 9 meetings in Denver. Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Denver. Chargers are 9-4-2 ATS in their last 15 meetings. Road team is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

[TheGame]

NFL Week 15

Chargers (6-7) @ Broncos (11-2) — Denver is 6-1 as home favorite this year; only non-cover was as 26-point favorite vs Jags (won 35-19); Broncos outscored opponents 176-66 in second half at Mile High, average of 25-9- they won last four games with Chargers, by 3-11-7-8 points, but San Diego won three of last four visits here (lost 30-23 LY). Broncos (-7) won 28-20 at Qualcomm in Week 10, despite losing field position by 12 yards and Bolts outrushing them 131-84; game was 21-6 at half and Denver hung on at end, after Manning tweaked his ankle. Chargers are 3-4 SU on road, 2-1-1 as road dogs, losing away games by 3-10-6-4 points- they’re 1-3-1 vs spread this season in game following a win. Bolts’ 27-17 loss at Oakland in Week 5 is their only loss this year by more than eight points. Broncos’ home wins this season are by 22-16-32-16-24-10-23 points- this is their last home game until the playoffs. In its last two games; they’ve run ball for 188.7 ypg in last three games. Denver had 11 TDs, two 3/outs on 21 drives. AFC West home teams are 5-2 vs spread in divisional games, 3-1 when favored. 11 of 13 Denver games went over total.

[TheGame]

SAN DIEGO (6 - 7) at DENVER (11 - 2) - 12/12/2013, 8:25 PM

Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
DENVER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 4-1 straight up against SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


SAN DIEGO vs. DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Diego's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Denver's last 14 games
Denver is 1-5-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Diego

[TheGame]

Thusday night prop bets: Chargers at Broncos

Are you looking for some extra Props to bet on for Thursday night's AFC West matchup between the Chargers and Broncos? We've got all you need to know right here.

Props courtesy of LVH Superbook.

FIRST SCORE OF THE GAME WILL BE:

TOUCHDOWN -200
ANY OTHER SCORE +175

Peyton Manning threw a 74 yard TD to Julius Thomas less than six minutes into the game when these teams faced off in Week 10.

TOTAL GROSS PASSING YARDS BY: PHILIP RIVERS:

OVER 292.5 -110
UNDER 292.5 -110

Philip Rivers has averaged 298.6 passing yards per game this season, but only 239 per game in his last three meetings with Denver.

TOTAL TOUCHDOWN PASSES BY: PHILIP RIVERS:

OVER 1.5 -145
UNDER 1.5 +125

Rivers has thrown for only one TD the last time these teams met.

TOTAL COMPLETIONS BY: PEYTON MANNING:

OVER 28.5 -110
UNDER 28.5 -110

Since joining the Broncos, Manning is averaging 24.3 completions per game in the last three games vs. the Chargers

TOTAL TOUCHDOWN PASSES BY: PEYTON MANNING:

OVER 3.5 +140
UNDER 3.5 -160

Manning threw four TDs versus the Chargers in Week 10.

TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS BY: ERIC DECKER:

OVER 90.5 -110
UNDER 90.5 -110

Eric Decker had three receptions on five targets for 52 yards and zero TDs in the Week 10 matchup vs. the Chargers.

WILL DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) SCORE A TOUCHDOWN?

YES -135
NO +115

Demaryius Thomas has scored at least one TD in the last three meetings with the Chargers. He scored three in Week 10.

TOTAL QB SACKS BY BOTH TEAMS:

OVER 4.0 +115
UNDER 4.0 -135

There were six total sacks back when these team met in Week 10.

TOTAL POINTS BY CHARGERS:

OVER 23.5 -110
UNDER 23.5 -110

The Chargers have averaged 22.3 points in the last three games vs. the Broncos.

TOTAL POINTS BY BRONCOS:

OVER 33.5 -110
UNDER 33.5 -110

The Broncos average 39.6 points per game this season, but average 31 points per game in the last three games vs. the Chargers.

[TheGame]

Tale of the Tape: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos continue their march toward home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs as they host the San Diego Chargers in the Week 15 Thursday nighter.

Manning and the Broncos also have history in their sights, as they come into the week needing just 75 points to set the single-season scoring record set by the 2007 New England Patriots. The Chargers remain in the playoff hunt, but will need to upend a Denver team that is 7-0 SU at home.

Here's the breakdown in our betting tale of the tape:

Offense

The Broncos remain historically dominant on the offensive end, and are coming off a 51-point explosion against a Tennessee pass defense that came into the game as one of the stingiest in the league. Denver averages more than 340 passing yards per contest - easily tops in the league - with Manning racking up 45 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. He has been sacked a league-low 15 times for just 96 yards. The Broncos have also been above-average in the running game, ranked 12th in total yards (1,617) and tied for second in touchdowns (16).

While not on par with the Denver juggernaut, the Chargers have a sensational pass attack in their own right. Led by rejuvenated quarterback Philip Rivers, San Diego boasts the fourth-most passing yards entering Week 15 (3,753) with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The offensive line has done an effective job protecting Rivers for most of the season, yielding 24 sacks. The running game has been the team's offensive weak spot to date, compiling just 1,454 yards - good for 20th in the league - with only seven scores.

Edge: Denver

Defense

Not even Manning's exploits have been able to mask a Denver pass defense that ranks among the worst in the NFL. The Broncos have been torched for 3,566 yards - the fourth-highest total in football - while surrendering 24 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. Denver is in the middle of the pack when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks, registering 34 sacks for 245 yards. The Broncos' run defense has limited the opposition to 1,298 yards - seventh-fewest in the league - but has given up 14 touchdowns. Only five teams have surrendered more.

The Chargers are a suitable match for the Broncos in the pass defense department, allowing the fifth-most yards through 14 weeks - just 99 fewer than division-rival Denver. San Diego has held foes to 20 touchdown passes with nine interceptions, and has racked up 31 sacks totaling 225 yards. The Chargers have been gouged for a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry against, ranking 19th in opposing rushing yards (1,505) and allowing 11 scores on the ground. On the plus side, San Diego held the New York Giants to 92 rushing yards in last week's 37-14 win.

Edge: Even

Special Teams

The Broncos remain one of just a handful of NFL teams with both a kickoff-return and punt-return touchdown. The Broncos average 25.6 yards per kick return - eighth-most in the NFL - but have dipped to 19th in the league in punt-return average (8.5). Denver surrenders the highest kick-return average in football at 29.8 yards, but has limited foes to a reasonable 9.6 yards on 20 punt returns. Matt Prater has been one of the best kickers in the league this season - missing just one field goal - and is coming off an NFL-record 64-yarder in last week's one-sided win over the Titans.

The Chargers' return game has been underwhelming for the most part, ranking 17th in kick-return average (23.2) and 24th in punt-return average (7.6) with a long attempt of 21 yards. San Diego has given up the most total kickoff yards in the league by a wide margin (1,424), but is allowing a less-objectionable 24.1 yards per attempt and hasn't allowed a return longer than 46 yards. Only six teams have allowed fewer yards per punt return than San Diego (7.0). Kicker Nick Novak is 26-for-29 on field-goal attempts, including a 3-for-3 showing against the Giants.

Edge: Denver

Notable Quotable

"Some of this is giving guys opportunities to see what they can do. We try to get better every day and every week as we move closer to the end of the season. Our agenda is to get better every day." - Denver head coach John Fox on the Broncos' defensive personnel turnover

"I'm a firm believer of 'go as long as you can.' I've got no problem with the running back (handling a high volume). We've always played with two (backs) where I've been, from Carolina to Denver to here. We've always told the hot hand to stay in." - Chargers head coach Mike McCoy on giving running back Ryan Mathews 29 carries versus the Giants

[TheGame]

Thursday Night Football betting: Chargers at Broncos

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-10.5, 56)

The Denver Broncos can wrap up a perfect home record - and move a step closer to ensuring they stay there throughout the playoffs - with a win over the visiting San Diego Chargers on Thursday. Denver has clinched a playoff spot and has a one-game lead over Kansas City in the AFC West and over New England for the AFC's top seed. "I guess you have some security but our job is not finished," receiver Eric Decker told the team's website. "Winning this division is No. 1, and winning this conference is No. 2."

While the Broncos hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Chiefs, their margin of error for home-field advantage is ultra thin by virtue of losing to the Patriots in overtime last month. The Chargers are backed much farther into the corner, sitting one game behind Miami and Baltimore in the race for the last playoff spot. To a man, the Chargers called their 37-14 drubbing of the New York Giants on Sunday their most complete game of the season, and they'll likely need to duplicate it to upset the Broncos in Denver.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NFL Network.

LINE: The Broncos opened as 10.5-point home faves. The total opened at 55 and is up to 56.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-30s with wind blowing toward the N endzone at 5 mph.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (6-7): San Diego has a glimmer of hope after winning two of his last three but its remaining schedule includes not only the trip to Denver but also a visit from the Chiefs in the season finale. Quarterback Philip Rivers has enjoyed a resurgent season, completing 70.3 percent of his passes for 3,882 yards with 26 TDs and nine interceptions. The defense has given up more than 400 total yards four times and surrendered 397 in a 28-20 home loss to Denver in Week 10, but the Chargers have forced 12 turnovers in their past eight games after just two takeaways in their first five contests.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (11-2): Denver is 7-0 at home, where it has won by an average of 20.4 points after last week's 51-28 triumph over Tennessee. Quarterback Peyton Manning put to rest any concerns about his ability to perform in cold weather, going 39-of-59 for 397 yards and four touchdowns against the Titans with the temperature well below freezing. Manning has a bevy of weapons at his disposal, as the Broncos are the first team in NFL history to have four players with 10 or more touchdowns - Knowshon Moreno (12), Julius Thomas (11), Demaryius Thomas (11) and Wes Welker (10).

TRENDS:

* Chargers are 5-0-4 ATS in their last nine meetings in Denver.
* Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Denver.
* Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last five Thursday games.
* Under is 7-1 in Chargers last eight vs. AFC.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Manning has recorded 11 games with 300 or more passing yards this season, tying Tom Brady for the second-most in NFL history.

2. Chargers WR Keenan Allen has 61 receptions - a franchise record for a rookie - for 902 yards and five TDs.

3. The Broncos need to score 75 points in their last three games to break the NFL record of 589 set by the 2007 Patriots. They average 39.6.

[TheGame]

Broncos look to keep rolling Thursday vs. Chargers
by Brian Graham

Kickoff: Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
Line: Denver -10.5, Total: 55.5

The Chargers try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a visit to the Broncos on Thursday night and facing a quarterback with the last name of Manning for the second straight week.

San Diego is coming off its largest win of the year, a 37-14 drubbing of Eli Manning's Giants, while Denver crushed the Titans 51-28, behind four touchdown passes from Peyton Manning, who now has 45 TD this year. Since joining the Broncos, Manning is 3-0 (2-1 ATS) versus the Chargers, throwing for 909 yards, 10 TD and 2 INT. This includes his 330 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT in a 28-20 win in San Diego on Nov. 10. But Chargers QB Philip Rivers is also having a career year (26 TD, 9 INT), which has put his team in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race at 6-7, just one game behind Baltimore for the sixth playoff spot. Rivers' 244 passing YPG, 25 TD and 12 INT as a starter in this series with the Broncos is a big reason why his team is 9-6 SU (9-5-1 ATS) in the past 15 meetings. Denver is 13-3 ATS (81%) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since Manning joined the team, but San Diego is 6-3 ATS (67%) in the final four weeks of the regular season since 2011. While the Chargers don't have any major injuries to cope with, the Broncos will likely be without WR Wes Welker (concussion), and have four others who are questionable in CB Champ Bailey (foot), OT Orlando Franklin (concussion), DE Derek Wolfe (illness) and WR/KR Trindon Holliday (shoulder).

The Chargers are a pedestrian 3-4 SU (3-3-1 ATS) on the road this year, but their offense has not been the issue with 24.6 PPG on 430 total YPG away from home. But the defense has allowed 24.4 PPG on 408 total YPG to host teams, while forcing just five turnovers in these seven contests. San Diego currently ranks fourth in the league in total offense (401 YPG) and passing offense (289 YPG), thanks to the second-highest time of possession (32:49). This has occurred because of a stellar third-down conversion rate of 48%, which ranks second in the NFL. But the Chargers are scoring only 24.3 PPG (T-11th in NFL) because of a poor red-zone offense (51% touchdown rate, 23rd in league). QB Philip Rivers has completed 70.3% of his passes this season for 3,882 yards (8.4 YPA), which includes a 72.3% completion rate and 8.8 YPA on the road. With the disruptive Broncos defense allowing just 55.8% completions to visiting quarterbacks this year, Rivers' accuracy will be key to his team sustaining drives and keeping Denver's offense on the sidelines. Rivers has plenty of weapons in the passing game with his top three targets all recording more than 60 receptions in WR Keenan Allen (902 rec. yards, 5 TD), TE Antonio Gates (776 rec. yards, 3 TD) and RB Danny Woodhead (534 rec. yards, 6 TD). San Diego's ground game hasn't been great this season (112 YPG, 20th in NFL; 3.9 YPC, 23rd in league), but it has picked up over the past five games with 125 rushing YPG on 4.1 YPC. Top RB Ryan Mathews (885 rush yards, 5 TD) has rushed for more than 100 yards in four of his past eight games, including 103 yards in last week's win. Mathews had 59 yards on 14 carries (4.2 YPC) and a touchdown in the Week 10 loss to Denver. Defensively, San Diego has been horrible in all aspects, allowing 4.8 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per passing attempt, both of which rank 31st in the 32-team league. This has led to 383 total YPG allowed (28th in NFL) despite being on the field for just 27:37 (2nd-fewest in league). The team has also been subpar in both the red zone (61%, 25th in NFL) and on third downs (40%, 22nd in league), but has allowed just 22.4 PPG (T-11th in NFL). Another positive sign is that San Diego has generated seven takeaways over the past three games, and will need to win the turnover battle like in Week 10 to hang in with the best team in the AFC.

Denver's offense has been unbelievable this year, leading the NFL in points (39.6 PPG), yards (466 YPG), first downs (27.9 per game), third-down conversions (48%) and red-zone efficiency (79% touchdown rate). QB Peyton Manning has thrown at least two touchdowns in all but one game this year, piling up 800 yards and 9 TD passes in his past two contests. Although WR Wes Welker (778 rec. yards, 10 TD) is doubtful to play on Thursday, Manning still has plenty of options when he drops back. WR Demaryius Thomas (1,149 rec. yards, 11 TD) was the main man against the Chargers on Nov. 10 with 108 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while TE Julius Thomas (625 rec. yards, 11 TD) caught just three passes in the Week 10 meeting, but one of those was a 74-yard touchdown reception. WR Eric Decker (1,088 rec. yards, 8 TD) has been especially good over the past two games with a whopping 16 catches for 291 yards and 5 TD. But the Broncos are not just a one-dimensional passing offense, as their ground game averages 124 YPG (12th in NFL) including 566 rushing yards (189 YPG) over the past three games. Top RB Knowshon Moreno (920 rush yards, 12 total TD) rushed for 65 yards (4.3 YPC) and gained another 49 yards through the air on eight receptions in the Week 10 win over San Diego. The offense has needed to carry this team, as Denver's defense has been subpar, ranking 25th in the league in both scoring defense (26.5 PPG) and total defense (374 YPG). The unit has been decent on third downs (37%, 14th in NFL), but has been porous in the red zone (62% touchdown rate, T-27th in league). Denver tied for the NFL lead with 52 sacks last year, but has just 34 sacks this season (15th in NFL). Although the unit failed to force a turnover versus San Diego in Week 10, it has generated seven takeaways in the four games since.

[TheGame]

AFC West showdown
By Sportsbook.ag

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-7) at DENVER BRONCOS (11-2)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Denver -10.5 & 58
Opening Line & Total: Broncos -11 & 55.5

The Chargers try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a visit to the Broncos on Thursday night and facing a quarterback with the last name of Manning for the second straight week.

San Diego is coming off its largest win of the year, a 37-14 drubbing of Eli Manning's Giants, while Denver crushed the Titans 51-28, behind four touchdown passes from Peyton Manning, who now has 45 TD this year. Since joining the Broncos, Manning is 3-0 (2-1 ATS) versus the Chargers, throwing for 909 yards, 10 TD and 2 INT. This includes his 330 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT in a 28-20 win in San Diego on Nov. 10. But Chargers QB Philip Rivers is also having a career year (26 TD, 9 INT), which has put his team in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race at 6-7, just one game behind Baltimore for the sixth playoff spot. Rivers' 244 passing YPG, 25 TD and 12 INT as a starter in this series with the Broncos is a big reason why his team is 9-6 SU (9-5-1 ATS) in the past 15 meetings. Denver is 13-3 ATS (81%) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since Manning joined the team, but San Diego is 6-3 ATS (67%) in the final four weeks of the regular season since 2011. While the Chargers don't have any major injuries to cope with, the Broncos will likely be without WR Wes Welker (concussion), and have four others who are questionable in CB Champ Bailey (foot), OT Orlando Franklin (concussion), DE Derek Wolfe (illness) and WR/KR Trindon Holliday (shoulder).

The Chargers are a pedestrian 3-4 SU (3-3-1 ATS) on the road this year, but their offense has not been the issue with 24.6 PPG on 430 total YPG away from home. But the defense has allowed 24.4 PPG on 408 total YPG to host teams, while forcing just five turnovers in these seven contests. San Diego currently ranks fourth in the league in total offense (401 YPG) and passing offense (289 YPG), thanks to the second-highest time of possession (32:49). This has occurred because of a stellar third-down conversion rate of 48%, which ranks second in the NFL. But the Chargers are scoring only 24.3 PPG (T-11th in NFL) because of a poor red-zone offense (51% touchdown rate, 23rd in league). QB Philip Rivers has completed 70.3% of his passes this season for 3,882 yards (8.4 YPA), which includes a 72.3% completion rate and 8.8 YPA on the road. With the disruptive Broncos defense allowing just 55.8% completions to visiting quarterbacks this year, Rivers' accuracy will be key to his team sustaining drives and keeping Denver's offense on the sidelines. Rivers has plenty of weapons in the passing game with his top three targets all recording more than 60 receptions in WR Keenan Allen (902 rec. yards, 5 TD), TE Antonio Gates (776 rec. yards, 3 TD) and RB Danny Woodhead (534 rec. yards, 6 TD).

San Diego's ground game hasn't been great this season (112 YPG, 20th in NFL; 3.9 YPC, 23rd in league), but it has picked up over the past five games with 125 rushing YPG on 4.1 YPC. Top RB Ryan Mathews (885 rush yards, 5 TD) has rushed for more than 100 yards in four of his past eight games, including 103 yards in last week's win. Mathews had 59 yards on 14 carries (4.2 YPC) and a touchdown in the Week 10 loss to Denver. Defensively, San Diego has been horrible in all aspects, allowing 4.8 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per passing attempt, both of which rank 31st in the 32-team league. This has led to 383 total YPG allowed (28th in NFL) despite being on the field for just 27:37 (2nd-fewest in league). The team has also been subpar in both the red zone (61%, 25th in NFL) and on third downs (40%, 22nd in league), but has allowed just 22.4 PPG (T-11th in NFL). Another positive sign is that San Diego has generated seven takeaways over the past three games, and will need to win the turnover battle like in Week 10 to hang in with the best team in the AFC.

Denver's offense has been unbelievable this year, leading the NFL in points (39.6 PPG), yards (466 YPG), first downs (27.9 per game), third-down conversions (48%) and red-zone efficiency (79% touchdown rate). QB Peyton Manning has thrown at least two touchdowns in all but one game this year, piling up 800 yards and 9 TD passes in his past two contests. Although WR Wes Welker (778 rec. yards, 10 TD) is doubtful to play on Thursday, Manning still has plenty of options when he drops back. WR Demaryius Thomas (1,149 rec. yards, 11 TD) was the main man against the Chargers on Nov. 10 with 108 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while TE Julius Thomas (625 rec. yards, 11 TD) caught just three passes in the Week 10 meeting, but one of those was a 74-yard touchdown reception. WR Eric Decker (1,088 rec. yards, 8 TD) has been especially good over the past two games with a whopping 16 catches for 291 yards and 5 TD.

But the Broncos are not just a one-dimensional passing offense, as their ground game averages 124 YPG (12th in NFL) including 566 rushing yards (189 YPG) over the past three games. Top RB Knowshon Moreno (920 rush yards, 12 total TD) rushed for 65 yards (4.3 YPC) and gained another 49 yards through the air on eight receptions in the Week 10 win over San Diego. The offense has needed to carry this team, as Denver's defense has been subpar, ranking 25th in the league in both scoring defense (26.5 PPG) and total defense (374 YPG). The unit has been decent on third downs (37%, 14th in NFL), but has been porous in the red zone (62% touchdown rate, T-27th in league). Denver tied for the NFL lead with 52 sacks last year, but has just 34 sacks this season (15th in NFL). Although the unit failed to force a turnover versus San Diego in Week 10, it has generated seven takeaways in the four games since.

[TheGame]

Chargers at Broncos
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

The Broncos play their final regular season game at Sports Authority Field on Thursday, but it definitely won't be the last home contest for Denver. The Chargers are in desperation mode at 6-7, entering Week 15 one game behind Baltimore and Miami for the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. San Diego needs a win in the worst way, but can it duplicate a strong home effort from this past Sunday?

The Lightning Bolts struck the Giants early and often in a 37-14 rout as three-point favorites in Week 14. San Diego jumped to a commanding 24-0 halftime lead thanks to three touchdown passes from Philip Rivers, while the Chargers' defense intercepted Eli Manning twice in the victory. The Chargers evened their home mark at 3-3, as Mike McCoy's team rebounded from a defeat to the Bengals one week earlier in a 17-10 setback.

Denver continued its home domination, in spite of falling behind Tennessee, 21-10 in the second quarter. The Broncos blitzed the Titans, 31-7 in the second half to record a 51-28 rout and easily cash as 13-point favorites. Peyton Manning attempted 59 passes, but found a way to throw four more touchdowns to increase his season total to 45, while hitting four different receivers for scores. Denver improved to 7-0 SU and 5-1-1 ATS at home, as the Broncos went over the 40-point mark for the first time since a Week 8 blowout of Washington.

The last time the Broncos and Chargers faced off came in Week 10 at Qualcomm Stadium, as Denver came out with a 28-20 road triumph. The Broncos barely covered the seven-point number, in spite of building a 28-6 lead in the third quarter. Manning burned the Chargers' for four touchdowns, including a career-best three scores by wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Denver has beaten San Diego four straight times, including the last three since the arrival of Manning with the Broncos prior to the 2012 season.

The Chargers have been listed as a three-point underdog or more three times on the highway this season, resulting in a 2-1 SU and 2-0-1 ATS record. San Diego won outright as 7½-point 'dogs at Philadelphia in Week 2, while pulling off a solid divisional triumph at Kansas City in Week 12 in a 41-38 shootout victory. The lone straight-up defeat came in Week 3 at Tennessee, as the Chargers pushed as three-point underdogs in a 20-17 setback as the Titans scored the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute.

Since the start of last season, the Broncos have put together a stellar 14-2 SU and 11-4-1 ATS record at Sports Authority Field with the two losses coming to Houston last September and the heartbreaking defeat to Baltimore in the second round of the 2012 playoffs. The Broncos continue to be a machine to the 'over' at home, cashing in six of seven contests in Colorado this season.

Denver wide receiver Wes Welker has been ruled out of Thursday's matchup after suffering a concussion in the win over Tennessee, his second concussion of the season. Welker has scored just two touchdowns in the last seven games after finding the end zone eight times in the first six contests.

VegasInsider.com handicapper Antony Dinero gives San Diego a shot here on the road, "The Chargers have no room for error if they want to get back to .500 and stay in the playoff race, so expect a desperate football team to show up for this AFC West clash. Without Welker, Manning has one less option, but odds are good he'll be able to do plenty of damage against a porous defense. Fortunately, Rivers is capable of winning a shootout, and this may be the week where second-string tight end LaDarius Green re-emerges as a game-breaker. However it goes, San Diego has to do whatever it takes, even if that means giving Ryan Mathews a season-high in carries for the second week in a row."

Denver is listed as a 10½-point favorite on Thursday, as the Broncos have cashed three of four times this season when laying double-digits. The total sits between 56 and 57 depending on where you shop, as the first meeting finished 'under' 56. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST and can be seen on the NFL Network.