The Denver Broncos (10-3) travel to Qualcomm Stadium to take on the San Diego Chargers (8-5) next Sunday. The past two weeks have been rather uncharacteristic for Peyton Manning. The reigning MVP has thrown a combined total of 2 TDs, 2 INTs, and has not eclipsed 180 yards passing in either contest. Despite the lackluster performance, the Broncos defense and ground game has propelled the team to two wins. Notably, Denver running back CJ Anderson has rushed for about 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in the past three weeks. Meanwhile, the Chargers are coming off a bad loss to the New England Patriots at home. The running game has been lacking even with Ryan Matthews back in the lineup, putting up a pedestrian total of around 80 yards in the previous two games.
According to ScoreBig, the average price for Chargers vs. Broncos tickets is currently $300.12 on the secondary market, which is a price that has decreased by 37% in the past week. This may be due to the Chargers recent loss to the Patriots, but it seems uncharacteristic of a fan base that roots for a team in the thick of the AFC playoff race. The get-in price for the game is $138.00. For their remaining games, Broncos tickets on ScoreBig are averaging $258.22.
Interestingly, the Chargers defense is currently ranked 9th in the league. All three of Denver’s losses came to teams with defenses ranked in the top 13 (St. Louis, Seattle, and New England). Look for San Diego to air it out with Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen due to Denver’s 2nd ranked rush defense. The Chargers have been abysmal on the ground (28th ranked) due to injuries to the offensive line and running backs.
The previous October meeting between the two teams in Denver resulted in a 35-21 victory for the Broncos. Peyton Manning threw for 286 yards and all 3 TDs went to Emmanuel Sanders in his breakout performance. Ronnie Hillman rushed for over 100 yards and the Broncos defense forced two Phillip River’s interceptions. Rivers finished the game with decent numbers as well (252 yards and 3 touchdowns). The Chargers need a victory to stay in the running for an AFC wild card spot, while Denver needs to move ahead of New England and ensure home field advantage for the playoffs. Tensions always run high when these two division-rivals meet.
