MNF Betting Picks – Denver vs San Diego

A good old fashion AFC West showdown is the feature of this MNF Betting Picks piece as the Denver Broncos head west for a date with the San Diego Chargers.

The line on this one has the Chargers as 8 ½ point favourites and 62% of the betting population think that they’re going to cover the hefty spread despite the Chargers not getting off to the best start this year.

They’ve also had some serious injury problems as Antonio Gates is once again doubtful this week and despite the fact they’ll be getting Malcom Floyd back in the line-up, their receiving core is still depleted.

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The fact they’re at home for this MNF Betting Picks contest against a Bronco’s team that has struggled on the road gives them a distinct advantage, but is it enough for them to cover the 8 ½ points?

Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers (Qualcomm Stadium – San Diego, CA)

Monday November 15th – 8:30 PM ET

TV: ESPN

Everyone knows that the Chargers have been underperforming this year, as their 4-5 record will indicate. Still, they are just a MNF Betting Picks win away from being .500 and a game back of the Chiefs for the division lead. The Broncos are in the bottom of that division, a spot not too many people predicted they would be, but no one is that surprised. In fact, these teams have a lot in common as both have had all kinds of issues running the ball and have thus been forced to rely heavily on the passing game. Philip Rivers and Kyle Orton sit 3rd and 4th respectively in their divisions and will likely move up in the rankings after this one is over.

MNF Betting Spread:

Denver +335

San Diego -8 ½, -425

Total – 50

The big difference between these two is that the Chargers are a much better defensive team. The Charges rank first in the league in total defence while the Broncos are way down in 26th, right below the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos come in at 19th in terms of stopping the pass, while the Chargers are tops in the NFL, and when you’re going against the top passing team in the NFL facing the 19th ranked stop unit, things are likely to get ugly.

With Malcom Floyd back in the line-up after missing two games, it gives the Rivers a legitimate number one receiver. With Antonio Gates likely to miss tonight’s contest, they lose a huge part of their offence, but Phillip Rivers has proven it doesn’t matter who is catching the ball, he can make plays. This guy is on pace to break Dan Marino’s single season record for passing yards, and things are only looking up for this team as they’ll get Vincent Jackson back in Week 12.

Considering that Denver is just 1-3 on the road this year while the Chargers are 3-1 at home, San Diego should cruise to victory. Kyle Orton is going to have a tough time moving the ball on this defence, and that will be the difference in this MNF Betting Picks contest.

NF Betting Pick: San Diego (-8 ½)