2014 NFL Postseason: Divisional Round Predictions

December 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) watches from the sideline during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, Jan. 12
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
4:40 p.m. EDT
TV: CBS

This is the Broncos’ game to lose, as they are by far the better team, but the defense of the Broncos  (13-3) isn’t something I have full confidence in, especially against the pesky Chargers, as they are on a bit of a winning streak.

If any game could have the “upset” win, this is the one, but I just can’t flip the switch on this one and say the Chargers (10-7) will win. Can they win? Yes … look at what they did to the Bengals last weekend, and the Bengals weren’t a slouch.

In their first meeting this season (Nov. 10), the Broncos won 28-20, but in the rematch in Denver on Dec. 12, the Chargers won 27-20 on a Thursday night.

This game will come down to the play of two players: Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning.

These two QBs are the heart of their teams, and the teams will go only as far as these two go. I’d like Manning to have a good game following a week off, but the game won’t be easy for either one.

Game Prediction: Broncos 24, Chargers 23