Denver Broncos 2016: AFC West Preview – Week Eight
By Craig Hurst
With the season nearly halfway complete, we take a look at the Denver Broncos and the rest of the AFC West in our weekly divisional preview.
Nearing the halfway point of the 2016 season, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a close race for the AFC West crown. This makes every game more important especially when it is against a division opponent. That is the case this week, as the Broncos face the San Diego Chargers for the second time in three weeks. For my thoughts and prediction on this game, as well as the other week five game featuring AFC West teams, please continue reading.
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San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: Let’s cut right to the chase – C.J. Anderson is out so what are the Broncos going to do? On the surface, it is my assumption that Devontae Booker will be thrown into the spotlight, literally! This is his time to shine, err, or not! The last couple of games he has shown why the Broncos drafted him. I enjoy watching him run because he is somewhat of a bruiser! I hope Booker seizes the moment and has a solid game.
Injuries are always unfortunate and never, ever happen at a good time. Anderson’s injury seems a bit more disheartening because it was right when the Broncos running game took off – against the Houston Texans on Monday night. It should have though – Texans rushing defense is ranked 29th in the league allowing 135.4 yards per game (these stats include the Monday night game). San Diego allows 90.1 rushing yards per game, which is good enough to be 8th in the league. Needless to say, I would be really surprised if the Broncos running game takes off this week. That means it will be up to Trevor Siemian and the passing game!
All those things being said, the Broncos shouldn’t be short on emotion this week considering the Chargers beat them 21-13 two weeks ago! My feeling is that the AFC West is going to come down to the wire this year so at this point in the season, games against division foes and at home are must wins. However they do it – running, passing, or shutting the Chargers offense completely down – the orange and blue must find a way to log their sixth win of the season.
Prediction: Denver 28, San Diego 17