Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers, 8:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS/Twitter
I’d like to start out here by thanking the NFL and Twitter for the brilliant decision to stream these games on the elite social media site. The game streams flawlessly and is a convenient way to consume NFL action. Bravo to both sides.
With this pick, it’s easy to say the Broncos are the better team and should win. Trevor Siemian appears prepared to take the saddle again and settle into his role as the starter, the defense is preparing for a lighter opponent in San Diego and the Gary Kubiak (get well soon!) storyline gives them the mental edge to fight and win one for their head coach. By all means, this is Denver’s game to lose – they’re the better team on paper and are much more likely to have the better game here.
Yet, the Chargers seem like an appealing upset pick for this particular Thursday night matchup. You might think it’s silly to take 1-4 San Diego to knock off the division leaders, and you’re completely valid if that’s your stance. As far as the numbers go, the Broncos should win here handily. But if we’ve learned anything over the course of the NFL’s history, it’s that popular storylines don’t always materialize. The Chargers, at home, on a short week, after playing good football against Oakland last week, have the ability to take advantage of Denver’s short preparation time.
These Thursday divisional clashes tend to be ugly affairs. Often times, splash plays in the second half have the ability to make the difference in the end. And quietly, Philip Rivers is playing very good football. With their season on the line and Denver playing their third road game in four weeks, don’t be so quick to write off the Chargers in this week six clash.
Chargers pull the upset against Denver, capture 20-17 win.