Tomorrow afternoon, the San Diego Chargers travel to Denver in a game that could either tighten the AFC West back to within reason, or it could signal the end of any realistic divisional race.
The Broncos enter the game at 6-3, two full games ahead of the second place Chargers. With a win, the Broncos would push that margin to three games with just six to play. In other words, they could realistically lock their division away with a win at home.
The Chargers are playing for a lot more than just getting back in a divisional race. Many Chargers players are auditioning to keep their jobs should the Chargers move on from the A.J. Smith, Norv Turner era following the season.
For Norv Turner, this game is it. Without a playoff birth, he'll almost surely be finding a new job in January, and this game represents a golden opportunity to get back within a game of the playoffs.
The Broncos are certainly favored by most analysts and fans alike to topple the Chargers. Peyton Manning is playing like, well, Peyton Manning, and the Broncos defense is making the most of big play opportunities. They've been possibly the hottest team in the NFL over the past month, and there's no doubt John Fox will have his team ready to play at game time.
For the Chargers, this is a true do-or-die game. The Broncos could drop this game and still find their way into the playoffs, but a win would cement their position in January's tournament.
