Written by :
Published on :
The Denver Bronco vs. San Diego Chargers game is the last of the regular 2008 NFL season and an important deciding game for both teams. One is in, one is out of the Playoffs depending on what happens here. A late collapse by the Broncos and a surge by the Chargers has made this a significant game.
The gambling public was on Denver in this one as a +7 underdog, which doesn't necessarily mean the public believes the Broncos will win outright.
After defeating Kansas City 24-17 on Dec. 7 to move within one win of the division title, Denver lost to Carolina 30-10 on Dec. 14 and blew a 13-0 lead in last Sunday's 30-23 loss to Buffalo.
"Unfortunately we're not going to be able to go up there and take it easy," Broncos Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall said. "We're going to have to go up there in their back yard and prove to them that we're better than them. They're a good team, they're playing better now, and they've got all the momentum."
The Chargers finished November with a 4-8 record, but have rallied to win all three games this month, and reeled off 13 consecutive December victories since a 23-7 loss to the Broncos on Dec. 31, 2005.
"We were 4-8. We could have shut it down," said San Diego Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates after last Sunday's 41-24 win at Tampa Bay. "Honestly, you know, we could have said, 'You know what, Denver ain't going to lose three in a row.' We could have taken that mind-set. But it was more about the San Diego Chargers and what we were trying to accomplish. Eventually that gave us a chance to sit here and play."
Though Denver won their last game against San Diego after a controversial call, San Diego has won 4 of the last 5 in this series. More importantly, they have won by more than the current 7 point line.
Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
