THE MATCHUP
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Oct 19, 2009 @ 8:30 PM
Qualcomm Stadium

THE LINE
Chargers are the favorite, giving 3. The Under/Over is 44

THE RECORD
The Denver Broncos are 5-0 Overall, 3-0 at Home and 2-0 Away. They are 1-0 in the Division and 4-0 in their Conference.
The Broncos have scored 99 points and given up only 43.

The San Diego Chargers are 2-2 Overall, 1-1 at Home and 1-1 on the Road.
They are 1-0 in their Division and 2-2 in their Conference.
The Chargers have scored 101 points and given up 102.

2009 TRENDS AGAINST THE SPREAD
The Broncos are 5-0 ATS.
The Broncos are 2-0 ATS away.
The Broncos are 4-0 ATS as the underdog.
The Broncos are 2-0 ATS as an away underdog.
The Chargers are 1-3 ATS.
The Chargers are 1-1 ATS at home.
The Chargers are 0-1 ATS as the underdog.
The Chargers have not been a home underdog.

PREGAME ANALYSIS
One of the keys to this MNF contest is the Denver Bronco defense. In their first five games, they have given up only 43 points while allowing only 3.3 yards per carry. If they can keep the Chargers to just under 4 ypc, they can still win, even if Phillip Rivers has a big game.

Another factor that could determine the outcome is that the Broncos are averaging 139 yard rushing and the Chargers are defense are giving up 151 yards per game - and wiith their star defensive tackle Jamal Williams (IR), the Chargers defense may be in for a long day.

GAME PREDICTION
Denver Broncos 24 San Diego Chargers 21

Denver’s new head coach, Josh McDaniel has fired up the Broncos and they have bought into his system. The Broncos defense will stop the Chargers ground game and give their offense multiple opportunities to score. In addition, the Chargers defense will overpursue on the run, opening up the passing game for Kyle Orton.

source: espn, foxsports

GAME INFO
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers
8:30 PM EST
ESPN
Bank of America Stadium

 

FOR THE RECORD
The Tampa Bay Bucaneers are 9-3, 3-3 on the road, 3-1 in the NFC South and 8-2 in the National Football Conference. They are tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South.  The Bucs have scored 280 points this year while giving up 200.

The Carolina Panthers are also 9-3 but are 6-0 at home.  They are 2-2 in the NFC South and 6-3 in the NFC.  They have score 285 points and given up 231.

THE LINE
Panthers are favored by 3 points Under/Over is 38 points (subject to change)

PREVIEW
Tonight’s matchup is a huge game for both teams. They are tied for first place in the NFC South. It seems that both teams are headed to the postseason, but the division winner will likely get the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye, so there is plenty at stake — the division champion would likely not have to face the Giants until the NFC Championship Game. These teams have a lot of similarities, and while neither is overly dynamic or exciting, both are well coached and fundamentally sound and find ways to win. In a division that will go down to the wire, every game becomes critical, and this may be the most important remaining game for both teams. We may not see a high-scoring, offensive-oriented contest, but this game will be close and physical.

TAMPA BAY FACTS
Jeff Garcia, the starting QB for Tampa Bay, took over the reins in October against Carolina in their earlier meeting.  He seems to be at his best the Panthers.
Jeff has thrown for 1902 yards and thrown 8 TDs. His QB rating is 92.5.

The Bucs running is lead by Warrick Dunn who has 640 yards on 145 carries with 2 TDS and Earnest. Graham who has 563 yards on 132 carries with 4 TDs.

Offensive Tackle J. haye is out. Wide ReceiverMichael Clayton, Defensive End Kevin Carter and Defensive End Gaines Adams are questionable for tonights game.

Jake Delhomme will be at QB for the Carolina Panters.  He has a QB rating of 81.7 in 2008 throwing for 2,427 yards with 12 TD passes. Running BackDeAngelo Williams leads the Panthers in the backfield with 955 yards in 193 attempts, scoring 11 TDs

Offensive Tackle Jeremy Bridges is Questionable for the game and Running Back Johnathan Stewart is listed as Probable.

PREVIOUS MEETING
 In the earlier meeting on October 12, 2008, the Bucs devastated the Panthers in Tampa Bay 28-3. This was the first game Jeff Garcia started for the Bucs.

OTHER NOTES
Two of the Carolina Panthers Defensive Ends are questionable for tonights game.  Even if they play, expect the Bucs to exploit them both.

PREDICTION
Considering the implications for both teams and the bump and grind style of both teams - expect it to a low scoring affair with the Carolina Panthers using the home field advantage to get revenge from their first meeting.

Carolina Panthers 21     Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10