The Chargers were handed a playoff spot...no other way to put it. Not only did they have to have the Ravens and Dolphins both of their last two games, but they needed a blown 41 yard field goal and at least one (and in my opinion, two) blown calls by the refs. By now everyone knows the Chargers were lined up in an illegal formation on the field goal attempt at the end of regulation, but I also think it was a quick whistle on the fake punt in overtime.
Don't know what to think about this Charger team. They've beaten the Colts at home and the Eagles, Chiefs, and Broncos all on the road, yet have losses to the Texans, Raiders, and Redskins. And now they almost lose a game against the Chiefs' backups with a playoff spot on the line. If you understand this team please let me in on it.
Three weeks ago when the Dolphins upset the Patriots I figured the playoff chance had realistically ended for the Chargers. Dolphins needed just one win against the Bills or Jets in the last two weeks to clinch a spot. Talking to a co-worker (who is a Bronco fan) we were already discussing the possibility of a Colts-Broncos rematch after the Bengals eliminated the Dolphins and the Colts end the Chiefs season. Go figure that the Dolphins only score 7 points in those final two games. At the time the Ravens had the last playoff spot in the AFC, but I predicted to my co-worker that they would lose to the Pats and Bengals, so thought they would hand the last spot to the Dolphins.
No way the Chargers deserved to win yesterdays game. No way did they should have even had the chance. So what now for the Chargers? If I'm in the Charger organization I would have walked into the locker room this morning and said to the team, "We were given a gift...now lets go do something with it!"
They're a TD underdogs to the Bengals, and rightfully so. With the exception of the QB spot, the Bengals are a superior team and the Chargers lost to the Bengals 17-10 at home in Week 13. Look closer at that game though, and you would see that the Chargers turned the ball over twice deep in Bengals territory (fumble by Antonio Gates and an INT by Rivers on a pass that was caught by Gates, but ripped out of Gates hands). The score was also tied 7-7 at the half.
In all honesty, it's going to take a lot better game offensively then they played the last time (or this past Sunday against the Chiefs) and they need a better effort by the defense...but they've shown they have that ability at times this season. The defense, terrible for most of the season, held the Broncos to their lowest point total of the season (20) and also the Broncos 3rd lowest (28). The offense has also been able to protect that defense at times by leading the league in 10 play drives, time of possession, and #1 in 3rd down conversion percentage.
So the Chargers have it in them to pull off the upset...we'll see Sunday if they can.
Cincy plays very well at home. Not sure if the cold will play a part in the game at all but that could be an X-factor. San Diego is good enough to beat the Bengals. Whether or not they will is a completely different story. I love that they were able to get here despite everything being stacked against them. I think the Bengals win this game but you just never know. Rivers is having a good year and he has some good playoff games under his belt. Just have to see if this team is good enough to make it happen.
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