NFL

Chargers (6-3):

Offense:
Points Per Game: 26.3 (6th)
Total Yards/GM: 334.9 (18th)
Rush Yards/GM: 75.1 (31st)
Pass Yards/GM: 259.8 (7th)

Defense:
Points Per Game: 22.4 (20th)
Total Yards/GM: 326/7 (14th)
Rush Yards/GM: 118.9 (23rd)
Pass Yards/GM: 207.8 (11th)

Broncos (6-3):

Offense:
Points Per Game: 18.6 (24th)
Total Yards/GM: 328.8 (22nd)
Rush Yards/GM: 112.1 (16th)
Pass Yards/GM: 216.7 (18th)

Defense:
Points Per Game: 16.8 (4th)
Total Yards/GM: 292.2 (6th)
Rush Yards/GM: 105.6 (11th)
Pass Yards/GM: 186.7 (8th)

What is at Stake?

When these two division rivals collide on Sunday, first place in the sputtering AFC West will be at stake. Over the past few weeks, these two teams have been going in opposite directions. Denver has been exposed against better teams, and even losing at Washington in week 10. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Chargers have climbed out of the seller after winning four consecutive games. However, the game is more important for the San Diego Chargers because the Broncos hold a slip advantage in the divisional record tie-breaker category of 3-1 to 3-2.

Key Matchup:

The Chargers rush defense versus the Broncos running attach. Even if Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (ankle, questionable) is able to play on Sunday, the Broncos should employ a heavy rushing attack. The Chargers have become a one dimensional offensive team (passing) and the Denver Broncos cannot afford to allow Rivers to put a lot of points on the board.

The Skinny:

Even if Orton is able to play on Sunday, the Broncos have been exposed as an average NFL team. The Chargers are clearly a better team and should win this game going away, and subsequently claiming first place in the AFC West.

Prediction: San Diego 24, Denver 21