: The Broncos won again in thrilling fashion, with quarterback Tim Tebow directing a late 95-yard drive to defeat the Jets 17-13 on Thursday. Denver has won four of its past five outings to climb back into the AFC West race, trailing first-place Oakland by a game.
Last game vs. Chargers : Things looked rosy for the Chargers when left Denver on Oct. 9 with a 4-1 record after holding off the Broncos 29-24. But the Bolts haven't won since. They led the Broncos 23-10 at halftime then watched Tebow direct two fourth-quarter touchdown drives and throw incomplete in the end zone on the game's final play. Ryan Mathews rushed for a career-high 125 yards in the Chargers' lone road win of the season.
Player to watch : Tim Tebow, QB – You were expecting someone else? The former first-round pick of ex-coach Josh McDaniels has gone from bust to savior with his intoxicating mix of skills and a knack for doing the right thing at the right time. That Tebow wins despite his flaws only adds to his magical connection with Broncos fans, who long ago pleaded for Tebow to start over Kyle Orton. Tebow's numbers are both ugly – he completes just 45 percent of his passes – and beautiful – he's 4-1 as a starter. The Chargers' run defense will be challenged by the ground-oriented attack Tebow loves to orchestrate.
On offense : The Mile High team keeps it real low. The Broncos, especially with Tebow, average 155 rushing yards per game, No. 4 in the NFL. That doesn't bode well for a Chargers defense that often struggles against the run. Tebow is averaging 7 yards a carry with three touchdowns. RB Willis McGahee has enjoyed a resurgence this season with the Broncos, gaining 639 yards and scoring three touchdowns, though he has been bothered by a hamstring injury the past two weeks. The Broncos used RB Lance Ball when former starter Knowshon Moreno tore his ACL two weeks ago, and he has averaged 4.1 yards on 60 carries. Denver's passing game doesn't get much love, but keep an eye on shifty WR Eric Decker (34 receptions, 462 yards, seven touchdowns).
On defense : The Broncos point rookie standout Von Miller toward the pocket and watch the fireworks happen. Miller, the second overall pick in April's draft, has been sensational in giving the Broncos' pass rush a jolt, leading the team with 9 1/2 sacks. In Thursday's win over the Jets, he had 10 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, a forced fumble, four quarterback hits and three tackles for losses. A secondary that includes Champ Bailey (two interceptions) is always compelling, although it's a unit with just seven interceptions.
Special teams : K Matt Prater is coming off a big game, and his kicking could be the difference in what is expected to be a close game Sunday. In the win over the Jets, Prater converted field goals of 59 and 48 yards.
Coaching : John Fox , a Chargers defensive backs coach under Bobby Ross , has seen his stock rise after starting his first season in Denver with four losses in five games. He has benefitted from Tebow's emergence though he was initially reluctant to embrace his quarterback's style. The defense has been mediocre, especially against the pass - the team Broncos rank No. 21 against the pass. But Fox, a defensive specialist, won't make it easy on Philip Rivers and crew.
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Poll The Chargers, who are being eyed as tenants for two LA-area stadium proposals, have made no commitment they'll remain in San Diego past this season. Next year, where will the Chargers be playing?
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