|
A Chargers win gives San Diego the AFC West by virtue of their AFC West division record as the two teams would have
identical 8-8 records and would have split their season series. At 4-1, the Chargers own the best division record in
the AFC West in 2008.
Denver Broncos (8-7) at San Diego Chargers (7-8)
(Sunday night, NBC, 8:15 PM ET)
Denver faces a hot Chargers team.
The Chargers have won three in a row after traveling cross-country last week to hand Tampa Bay its first home loss,
41-24.
Meanwhile the Broncos have lost their last two games including the Broncos loss at home last week to the Buffalo Bills,
30-23.
If it comes down to passing game on Sunday night, both QBs can hold their own.
Cutler ranks third in the league in yards (4,210) and San Diego's PHILIP RIVERS (the top-rated passer in the league,
104.6) sits fifth with 3,802 yards.
Philip Rivers after the Chargers lost to Denver 39-38 in Week 2: "We'll get another shot at them later in the year.
Hopefully, it'll be for all the marbles."
Series: Broncos - Chargers
The Denver Broncos hold a 53-43-1 series lead over the Chargers.
However, the Chargers have won four of the last five overall and three of the last four in San Diego.
The Chargers have outscored the Broncos by a combined 71-23 in their last two wins in San Diego. All-time, the Chargers
are 29-18 in series games against the Broncos played at home.
Last time (9/14/2008) these two teams met the Broncos defeated the Chargers in Denver, 39-38.
In the game Denver QB Jay Cutler passed for 350 yards & 4 touchdowns, including 18 passes for 166 yards & 1 TD to WR Brandon Marshall.
The Broncos took advantage of a questionable interception and outscored the Chargers 7-3 in the first quarter.
The Broncos scored on a one-yard touchdown leap by Michael Pittman and the Chargers responded with a 34-yard field goal
by Nate Kaeding.
The Broncos outscored the Chargers 24-14 in the second quarter to lead 31-17 at halftime. The Chargers responded with
10 points in the 3rd quarter to cut the Broncos lead to 31-27 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Chargers scored on a 66-yard catch-and-run by Darren Sproles with 4:22 left in the game
and added a two-point conversion to take a 38-31 lead. That drive was made possible by an interception in the end zone
on a third-and-goal play by rookie Antoine Cason.
The Broncos answered with a four-yard touchdown pass from Cutler to Eddie Royal with 24 seconds left. Instead of kicking
a game-tieing extra point and head for overtime, the Broncos are successful with their two point conversion to win the
game, 39-38.
Last Game in San Diego: 12/24/2007
The Chargers defeated the Broncos, 23-3. The San Diego defense registered 4 sacks & forced 3 turnovers. Chargers K Nate
Kaeding kicked 3 FGs (40, 23, 29).
NFL 2008 Week 16: Buffalo Bills 30, Denver Broncos 23
The Bills, losing to the Jets last week on late-game fumble, were ready to roll over for the Broncos in Denver.
It appeared the Broncos were on their way to clinching the AFC West title last week after they took a 13-0 lead
against the Bills in the second quarter, but Buffalo rallied to earn a 30-23 victory.
Denver controlled most phases of the game, registering 532 yards of offense (7.3 per play) and limiting the Bills to
just 275 yards and 26:49 of possession. But the Broncos had two turnovers and struggled in the red zone, scoring
touchdowns on only two of their six trips inside the 20-yard line.
Halfway thru the second quarter and on, the Bills played like they did in the first half of the NFL season when they
started 5-1. The Bills managed to outscore the Broncos 30-10 even though the Broncos outgained the Bills 532 to 275 yards.
Jay Cutler threw for 359 yards on 25-of-45 with 1 interception. Cutler's interception came with 6 minutes left in the game
at the goal line.
NFL 2008 Week 16: San Diego Chargers 41, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24
Riding a career-high four-touchdown performance from Philip Rivers, the Chargers overcame a fourth quarter deficit
for the second-straight week and rallied for a 41-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Chargers scored early and often, taking a 20-10 lead at the half, including a team-record and career-long
57-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding on the final play before the half.
The Buccaneers rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the Chargers, 14-0 to take a 24-20 lead, but the Chargers withstood
the rally and responded with 21 points in the fourth quarter that included a game-clinching 59-yard interception return for
a touchdown by rookie Antoine Cason.
Several milestones were set in the game as Antonio Gates caught a season-high two touchdown passes, the 50th and 51st
of his career, to become the fastest tight end in NFL history with 50 touchdown catches, while also surpassing 5,000
career receiving yards in the game.
Meanwhile running back LaDainian Tomlinson (90 yards) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (111 yards) both went over
1,000 yards for the season.
The Chargers win, combined with Denver's loss to Buffalo set up the season-ending AFC West title game in San Diego on
Sunday night.
Denver Broncos (8-7)
QB JAY CUTLER (24) needs 3 touchdowns to tie JAKE PLUMMER (27 in 2004) & JOHN ELWAY (27 in 1997) for most touchdowns
in season in Broncos history. Cutler has franchise record 4,210 passing yards in 2008. The Broncos are 10-0 when Cutler has
100+ passer rating. Cutler tied career-high with 4 touchdowns in last meeting vs. the Chargers Since 2004, RB TATUM BELL ranks 2nd in NFL with 4.8 avg. yards per carry (min. 550 att) WR BRANDON MARSHALL (98) needs 2 receptions to become 9th player in NFL history with 100 or more receptions in
consecutive seasons (102 in 2007). Rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL (2nd round, No. 42) leads NFL rookies with 80 receptions this season.
Marshall (98 rec.; 1,210 yards) & Royal (80 rec., 904 yards) can become 1st Broncos WR duo to each have 1,000 receiving
yards since ROD SMITH (1,144) & ASHLEY LELIE (1,084) in 2004 CBs CHAMP BAILEY (43) & DRE' BLY (40) rank 1st & 2nd among CBs for most interceptions since 1999
San Diego Chargers (7-8)
A win over the Broncos would allow the Chargers to even their record at 8-8 and become the first-ever team in NFL history to go to the
playoffs after starting 4-8. The last 8-8 team to go to the playoffs was the New York Giants in 2006. Chargers aim for 14th consecutive December win. The Chargers have won 3 of past 4 at home vs. the Broncos QB PHILIP RIVERS (32) needs 2 TD passes to eclipse DAN FOUTS (33 in 1981) for most touchdowns in Chargers franchise
history in season. Rivers (3,802) needs 281 yards to surpass Fouts (4,082 in 1979) for 3rd-most yards in season in the
Chargers history. RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON (123) needs 1 rush TD to surpass MARCUS ALLEN for 2nd-most in NFL history. Tomlinson
averages 112.3 rush yards per game vs. Broncos at home (786 total in 7 games) TE ANTONIO GATES ranks 2nd among NFL tight ends with 8 touchdowns (TONY GONZALEZ, 9) in 2008 WR VINCENT JACKSON is averaging 116 rec. yards per game in past 3 (348 total). Jackson averages 18.4 yards per
catch (57 receptions; 1,051 yards) in 2008 LB STEPHEN COOPER has 4 interceptions in past 3 games & aims for
4th consecutive game with INT Rookie CB ANTOINE CASON posted 1st career INT-TD return last week.
PREDICTION: San Diego Chargers 31, Denver Broncos 21
The Chargers have won three in a row, including last two on the road and have won 13 December games in a row,
including 7 in a row at home.
In five career starts against Denver, Philip Rivers is 4-1 and has thrown 10 touchdown passes, while completing
75 of 125 (.600) for 1,337 yards with just three interceptions. In his two starts in San Diego, Rivers is 2-0 and has
completed 32 of 48 (.667) for 468 yards with three TDs and no INTs. In the first meeting this season, Rivers had the
first of his career-high five 300-yard games this season, completing 21 of 33 for 377 yards with three TDs and one pick.
In addition, Rivers is having a sensational December in leading the Chargers to three straight wins. For the month,
Rivers has completed 65 of 101 (.644) for 847 yards with nine touchdowns and just one interception. His passer rating
for Decmeber is 116.2.
The Chargers are a team known for their offense, but their defense has been impressive since Ron Rivera was given
control as the Chargers defensive coordinator 7 games ago. The Chargers have become very stingy since then, especially in
the second half. Only two of the Chargers last seven opponents have scored more than seven points in the second half
against their defense (Colts and Bucs).
Under Rivera, the Chargers are allowing just 18.1 points per game and 317.1 yards, down from the 24.8 ppg and 371.6 ypg
prior to his taking over.
RELATED NFL 2008 Week 17
|
Ravens Ready to Clinch AFC Playoff Spot
After a 2-3 start to the NFL 2008 season, the Ravens have gone 8-2 with first-year head coach John Harbaugh and
rookie quarterback Joe Flacco to improve to 10-5. And, if they beat the Jaguars at home this Sunday, the Ravens advance
to the AFC Playoffs.
Bills Could Spring December Upset Versus Patriots
The New England Patriots have defeated the Bills 10 times in a row. However, the Patriots come into Buffalo somewhat
wary, after seeing what the Bills accomplished last week in Denver. The Bills overcame an early 13-point deficit
and scored on five consecutive possessions to defeat the Broncos in Denver, 30-23.
Jets & Dolphins in an Ironic Twist of Fate
When the NFL 2008 season started, not many envisioned the significance of this game. For the Dolphins it's a
straightforward proposition, win and the Dolphins are AFC East champs. For the Jets, they need to win plus rely on
either the Bills or Jaguars to win. A loss for either team means an end to their season.
Win-and-In Opportunity for Cowboys Against Eagles in Philly
The Cowboys control their own destiny, despite losing to the Ravens last week, 33-24. After a 10-3 loss in Washington,
the Eagles need to beat the Cowboys and need help in the form of a loss by Tampa Bay, coupled with a loss by either the
Bears or Vikings in the final Sunday of the 2008 NFL regular season.
Panthers Find Themselves in Precarious Situation Against Saints
Even though the New Orleans Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention, their impact on the NFC South and NFC Playoffs
this Sunday can be significant when the Saints host the Carolina Panthers. For the Panthers the NFC's second seed is on the
line. As such, the Panthers find themselves in a vulnerable and precarious situation on the road.
Falcons Playing for NFC 2 Seed & Playoff Game at Home
The Falcons (10-5) host the Saint Louis Rams (2-13) this Sunday wit a chance to capture the NFC South division title and the
NFC's number two seed. With that comes a first round bye and a home game the following week.
NFL 2008: NFL Playoffs are Always Unpredictable
As unpredictable an NFL 2008 season, one thing may be certain in the NFL -- There always is change.
A prime example is the NFL teams that make and don't make the playoffs each season.
Week 17: Final Week of the NFL's 2008 Regular Season & It's All on the Line
The journey to the NFL's playoffs has been challenging this 2008 season especially over the last two weeks which have been
topsy-turvy. Upsets, disappointments and surprises leave a number of teams fighting for the remaining NFL's 5 playoff spots.
For those teams, this is their last-chance. They either do it now in NFL's final week of the 2008 regular season or start
planning for 2009. Plus, at stake for the Falcons and Panthers, the NFC's number two seed and a first-round playoff bye.
NFL 2008 Week 17 Playoff Scenarios, Playoff Races & Playoff Picture
The Chicago Bears dramatic 20-17 overtime win against the Packers on MNF set the scene for the playoffs. A look at the NFL
playoff races, the NFC playoff scenarios and the AFC playoff picture as the NFL 2008 regular season approaches its final weekend.
NFL Week 16: Giants & Titans Clinch Top Spots, Bears & Chargers Second Life, Jets in a Bind
The results in the NFL the past 2 weeks have been unpredictable to say the least. Heading into the final week
of the 2008 regular season, the Chargers (7-8) are now in control of their own playoff destiny, the Bears (9-6) can win
the NFC North with help from the Giants, while the Jets playoff chances look dim.
SHARE
NFL 2008 WEEK 17 SCHEDULE (DECEMBER 28)
(All times local)
St. Louis at Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM
New England at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Oakland at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM
Seattle at Arizona, 4:15 PM
Detroit at Green Bay, 1:00 PM
Jacksonville at Baltimore, 4:15 PM
Chicago at Houston, 1:00 PM
Miami at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 PM
Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1:00 PM
Dallas at Philadelphia, 4:15 PM
N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1:00 PM
Washington at San Francisco, 4:15 PM
Carolina at New Orleans, 1:00 PM
Denver at San Diego, 5:15 PM (NBC)
NFL 2008 WEEK 16 RESULTS (DECEMBER 18, 20-22)
(Home team in CAPS)
Indianapolis 31, JACKSONVILLE 24 (Thursday)
Baltimore 33, DALLAS 24 (Saturday)
San Diego 41, TAMPA BAY 24
TENNESSEE 31, Pittsburgh 14
Buffalo 30, DENVER 23
OAKLAND 27, Houston 16
SEATTLE 13, N.Y. Jets 3
Atlanta 24, MINNESOTA 17
Cincinnati 14, CLEVELAND 0
WASHINGTON 10, Philadelphia 3
New Orleans 42, DETROIT 7
Miami 38, KANSAS CITY 31
NEW ENGLAND 47, Arizona 7
San Francisco 17, ST. LOUIS 16
N.Y. GIANTS 34, Carolina 28 (OT)
CHICAGO 20, Green Bay 17 (OT) (Monday)
NFL 2008 WEEK 15 RESULTS – DECEMBER 11, 14-15
(Home Team in Caps)
CHICAGO BEARS 27, New Orleans Saints 24 (OT)
N.Y. JETS 31, Buffalo Bills 27
Seattle Seahawks 23, ST. LOUIS RAMS 20
Minnesota Vikings 35, ARIZONA CARDINALS 14
ATLANTA FALCONS 13, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10 (OT)
Pittsburgh Steelers 13, BALTIMORE RAVENS 9
CINCINNATI BENGALS 20, Washington Redskins 13
CAROLINA PANTHERS 30, Denver Broncos 10
HOUSTON TEXANS 13, Tennessee Titans 12
New England Patriots 49, OAKLAND RAIDERS 26
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 31, Detroit Lions 21
DALLAS COWBOYS 20, N.Y. Giants 8
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 20, Green Bay Packers 16
San Diego Chargers 22, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 21
MIAMI DOLPHINS 14, San Francisco 49ers 9
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 30, Cleveland Browns 10
NFL 2008 WEEK 14 RESULTS - DECEMBER 4, 7 - 8
(Home team in CAPS)
SAN DIEGO 34, Oakland 7
Miami 16, BUFFALO 3 (Toronto)
DENVER 24, Kansas City 17
SAN FRANCISCO 24, N.Y. Jets 14
CHICAGO 23, Jacksonville 10
New England 24, SEATTLE 21
Minnesota 20, DETROIT 16
ARIZONA 34, St. Louis 10
Houston 24, GREEN BAY 21
PITTSBURGH 20, Dallas 13
INDIANAPOLIS 35, Cincinnati 3
BALTIMORE 24, Washington 10
NEW ORLEANS 29, Atlanta 25
Philadelphia 20, N.Y. GIANTS 14
TENNESSEE 28, Cleveland 9
CAROLINA 38, Tampa Bay 23
|
|
RSS
