Week 2 Preview: San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos

In week two of the NFL season, the San Diego Chargers will travel to Denver to face the home town Broncos in an AFC West showdown. 

The Chargers (0-1) are coming off a defeat of the double-digit underdog Carolina Panthers in the waning seconds of week one. 

The Broncos (1-0) are heading into this game as the sole leaders of the AFC West after annihilating the Oakland Raiders on Monday night.

The Broncos will take the top scoring offense in the NFL into Sunday's action with an added weapon:  Brandon Marshall.  Marshall led the team last season with 102 grabs, totaling 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns.  The third year receiver joins a receiving core that features rookie Eddie Royal, who leads the NFL in receiving after one game.

San Diego brings a ferocious pass rush into Denver, but will have to cope without All-World OLB Shawne Merriman.  The Chargers also have some injuries along the offensive line;  Nick Hartwig and Marcus McNeill both were inactive for last weeks game with injuries, and RB LaDainian Tomlinson missed Wednesday practice with an injury.  Antonio Gates has a nagging foot injury, but figures to play in the contest.

The Chargers defense, known for its ability to rush the passer, will have to cope with Denver third year quarterback Jay Cutler.  Cutler has sixteen touchdown passes from outside of the pocket, more than any quarterback last season.

The Broncos have also scored on all but two of drives led by Cutler not ending a half or game since the beginning of the pre-season.

This game will be one to watch for this week, as it could have early season playoff implications.  The Broncos are a team on the rise, looking to establish themselves, where the Chargers are considered by many to be Super Bowl contenders.

Philip Rivers is 4-0 against the Broncos in his career, with over a 69% completion percentage, and a quarterback rating of over 115.0.

I think this game will go in favor of the Broncos, as the Chargers may not be able to contain the Denver offense.