NFL Week 6 Predictions: Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Monday, 10/15/12, 8:30 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: San Diego -3
Current Betting Line: San Diego -1
Opening Total: 50
Current Total: 47.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews seems to be rounding into form after missing most of the preseason with an injury

Denver hits the road for a second consecutive week after suffering a 31-21 setback to the New England Patriots as 5.5-point underdogs in Week 5, while going OVER the total for the second time in three games. Despite their 2-3 record, the Broncos are happy with the progress of veteran quarterback Peyton Manning, who came into this round of action with the league’s fourth-highest passer rating. He completed 31 of 44 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns last week. Denver is 7-8 ATS as a road underdog the last two-plus years, with the OVER going 8-7 in that situation.

The Broncos rank ninth in the NFL in averaging 390.0 yards per game, while their defense is 13th in total defense in surrendering 335.2 yards per contest. Denver owns a 27-36-1 all-time record when featured on Monday Night Football, including a 7-26 mark on the road. It’s imperative that the team starts winning the turnover battle, as it ranks tied for 28th in the league with a minus-six differential.

San Diego head coach Norv Turner is seemingly always on the hot season in Southern California, but he’s led this franchise to a 15-10 record in nationally-televised games since 2007. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has played a big part in that success, winning seven of 10 games on this particular night of the week, throwing for 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also enjoyed success in this AFC West rivalry, posting a 9-3 record, while going 28-10 within the division in general. San Diego is 3-7 in weeks 5 through 9 the last two-plus years.

The Chargers are hoping that running back Ryan Mathews can build off his solid performance from a week ago, rushing for 80 yards and finishing with 59 yards receiving. On the other side of the ball, San Diego has done a great job in stopping the run, allowing just 74.0 yards per game. Manning has gone 4-5 against the Chargers during the course of his career, tossing 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in seven games in regular-season meetings.