San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos Week 5 Preview

The Chargers (3-1) head in to week 5 with a lot of momentum on their side as they travel to Denver to play the Broncos in what should be an intense division game. While the Chargers have gotten off to a fast start the Broncos have done just the opposite going 1-3. Besides the Broncos record, the biggest story that has faced the team continues to be the QB controversy involving veteran Kyle Orton and fan favorite Tim Tebow. Orton has had a respectable season thus far throwing for 945 yards and 8 TDs but a losing record has caused the Bronco faithful to become restless. It will be very interesting to see how Orton plays in front of a home crowd that is for the most part rooting against him.

The Chargers on the other hand hope to turn their offensive woes around and put up some points against a defense that gave up over 40 points to the Packers a week ago. So far this season the Chargers led by Phillip Rivers have not lived up to Chargers offenses of the past, but once again they have an opportunity to pick up their production against a struggling defense. With Antonio Gates looking doubtful for this game, RB Ryan Matthews should figure heavily into the Chargers game plan. Thus far Matthews has had an impressive second season, contributing to both the running and passing games. Matthews is fourth in the league in yards from scrimmage and looks to be a major factor for the offense as the season goes on. If the Charger’s have any hopes of pulling out of their offensive slump, production from players such as Matthews, Mike Tolbert, Malcolm Floyd, and Vincent Jackson is a must while Gates sits out. Until then the Chargers will have to continue to rely on their defense which has been very solid thus far.

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The schedule has been very nice to the Chargers early on, as the Broncos will be the fourth Chargers opponent to have one win or less. Even though all records are thrown out the window in a division matchup, the Chargers need to take advantage of a desperate Bronco’s team and take the home crowd out of it early. Look for the Chargers to put pressure on the Broncos on both sides of the ball, especially the offensive side, where Phillip Rivers and company will be eager to put on a show and make some big plays.

By: Derek White
ProFootball-fans.com San Diego Chargers Correspondent