Broncos vs. Chargers: The Broncos Pull out Another Upset

Does this ever get old?

In a game that the Denver Broncos never led until Matt Prater's game-winning field in overtime, the Broncos pulled out another sweat-inducing victory over a favored opponent.

If memory serves correctly, Denver entered this game as seven-point underdogs at San Diego.

They ended up winning by a field goal in a battle of two evenly matched teams.

The Broncos now stand at 6-5, just a game back of the Oakland Raiders, after the Raiders defeated the Chicago Bears, 25-20 on Sunday.

What do we take from this game?

What we take from this game is that the defense is for real. Is this defense good enough to stop the likes of an Aaron Rodgers- or Tom Brady-led offense? Probably not.

Is it good enough to keep the Broncos in games against teams such as the Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs? Yes.

Time after time, this defense made key stops. Even when it looked like the Broncos were dead in the water after Ryan Matthews had ran 14 yards for a first down to the Denver 35, the Broncos' D made a big stop on third down, causing a four-yard loss and eventually forcing Nick Novak to miss a 53 yard field goal.

This defense is the perfect example of a bend-but-don't-break defense.

The defense held Philip Rivers in check, repeatedly forcing pressure on him by simply pushing his offensive line right back into him.

However, Ryan Matthews gained 137 yards on 22 carries and looked to have won San Diego the game with his 14-yard scamper in overtime.

Unlike in previous years, the defense held up and remained resilient. After giving up a gain of three yards on first down and a play for one yard on second down, Von Miller made a huge stop on Mike Tolbert for a loss of four yards.

The defense is playoff-worthy. This defense is good enough to get the Broncos into the playoffs.

What about the offense?

It wasn't pretty, as there were plenty of third-and-longs from John Fox stubbornly calling the same read-option plays on first and second down that weren't gaining any yardage most of the day, but the offense was good enough to win the game.

Tim Tebow had a strong game, once again leading the Broncos to a game-tying/game-winning drive in the fourth quarter and overtime, as he went another game without turning over the football.

For those who have lost count, of Tebow's six starts this season, he has gone five of those starts without turning the football over a single time.

That is simply amazing for a first-year starter.

Tebow chipped in another 67 yards and Willis McGahee added 117 yards rushing, as the Broncos continued to display why they are the best team in football at pounding the rock.

Where do the Broncos go from here?

It's entirely plausible that Denver makes it to the playoffs, seeing as they're only a game back of the Raiders.

The Broncos don't have a tough schedule. Of their five remaining games, two of them are against winning teams. One of those teams, the Chicago Bears, are going to be missing QB Jay Cutler.

Because of the loss of their franchise quarterback, they do look beatable.

Of Oakland's remaining five games, two are also against winning teams: one at Green Bay and one versus Detroit.

There is no sure thing in this division, and although it looks as if the Raiders have a slightly tougher schedule the remainder of the way compared to the Broncos, anything can happen.

A few things are certain though.

This defense, which statistically ranks as below average, is quickly making a case as a top 10 caliber defense in the NFL.

Whatever the reasons may be for the defense playing as well as it has since Tebow was inserted into the lineup, this defense may not be the caliber of the Baltimore Ravens, but it is a defense that can win you games.

Despite Tebow being considered an inaccurate quarterback, yes, he can lead you to the playoffs. He's only 5-1 as a starting quarterback this season.

It also doesn't hurt that the Broncos are the best rushing team in the NFL since Tebow took over in Week 5 versus San Diego.

Will the Broncos make the playoffs?

Nobody knows right now, but one thing is for certain.

The Broncos are definitely good enough to be a playoff team.

The Chargers, Jets, Chiefs, Dolphins and Raiders have all found that out the hard way.