Broncos Are Sick of the Chargers Getting So Much Credit

Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) reacts after a defensive play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Texans 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers are on a five-game winning streak, including a win against the Broncos in Denver. They’ve got a road playoff victory against the Bengals, who hadn’t lost on their home field all year. They have absolutely nothing to lose at this point, especially after the freakish way they got into the playoffs.

The Chargers are everyone’s NFL playoff darling, and some of the Broncos players are sick of hearing about it.

Rightfully so.

Regarding Philip Rivers’ 6-2 record in Denver, defensive lineman Malik Jackson said: “That (expletive) don’t matter now. We’ll see what he is after this game.”

The hype surrounding the Chargers has become so gross that no matter what Vegas says, nobody believes the Chargers are the biggest underdogs this weekend. In fact, the way I’ve been hearing things, it’s the Broncos who are the biggest longshot to win this weekend, on their home field.

“But we only lost three games this year. Why shouldn’t you be confident?” Jackson said. “Yeah, we struggled in some points, but it’s a learning game.”

Jackson has a point. Rivers’ record in Denver to this point doesn’t matter. Everyone keeps saying you can throw records out the window, but those same people are quick to point out the success Rivers has had against the Broncos on their home field.

I’m with Jackson. I’m tired of hearing about how good the Chargers are, but I don’t mind if people continue pumping up the Bolts. The more attention is paid to the Chargers and the more credit they get, the more the Broncos will be motivated on Sunday to prove that they are indeed the best team in the league.