Broncos charged up for a rebound
NFL LINES: Even without ailing coach Kubiak, Denver shouldn’t have trouble erasing memories of first loss
Going on the road on a short week against a division rival is usually a challenge for most teams.
For the defending champion Denver Broncos, it is extra difficult this week.
Coming off their first loss of the season, the Broncos will be without coach Gary Kubiak Thursday when they visit the reeling San Diego Chargers. Kubiak is taking a week off after experiencing a “complex migraine condition” after Sunday’s loss to Atlanta.
The Broncos (4-1) have won 15 consecutive division road games, the longest such streak in NFL history. The Chargers (1-4) are coming off a 34-31 loss at Oakland, their 10th straight AFC West loss going back to 2014.
The Broncos are 3½-point favourites over the host Chargers. Broncos, 27-23 Steelers (-8) at Miami The Steelers have been one of the AFC’s top teams. The Dolphins, who had aspirations of making the playoffs entering the season, are one of the AFC’s biggest disappointments so far. Steelers, 31-10 Baltimore (+3) at New York Giants Both teams are reeling with Giants losing three in a row and the Ravens’ skid at two. Ravens’ offence gets going with new offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Ravens, 24-17 Bengals (+9) at New England Bengals had a no show in Big D. Going into New England for Tom Brady’s home opener? That’s a big L. Best bet: Patriots, 48-10 San Francisco (+8) at Buffalo 49ers get a lift from Colin Kaepernick’s first start of the season. Upset special: 49ers, 24-13 Philadelphia (-3) at Washington Washington has won three in a row, but Carson Wentz cools them off. Eagles, 27-21 Cleveland (+7½) at Tennessee Josh McCown could return for Cleveland. Browns are bound to win at some point. Browns, 21-20 Carolina (-3) at New Orleans With Cam Newton’s status uncertain, Saints find a way in a matchup of one-win division rivals. Saints, 28-17 Jacksonville (+3) at Chicago Another meeting of one-win teams. Brian Hoyer wins it for Bears. Bears, 24-20 Los Angeles (+3) at Detroit Lions falter after upset of Eagles. Rams, 21-17 Kansas City (+1½) at Oakland Chiefs are winless on the road. Not a good omen going into Black Hole. Raiders, 35-31 Atlanta (+6) at Seattle Falcons coach Dan Quinn returns to the Pacific Northwest, but Russell Wilson is ready for him. Seahawks, 30-21 Dallas (+4) at Green Bay Aaron Rodgers slows down Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Packers, 30-20 Indianapolis (+3) at Houston Texans might be the weakest firstplace team in the league. Colts could tie them with a win. Colts, 23-21 New York Jets (+7½) at Arizona Carson Palmer is expected to return for Arizona. Cardinals’ D is eager to test Ryan Fitzpatrick. Cardinals, 31-14 Last Week: Against spread (10-21). Straight up: (9-5)
Season Totals: Against spread (38-34-3). Straight up: (46-31)
Best Bet: 2-3 against spread, 3-2 straight up.
Upset special: 3-2 against spread, 3-2 straight up.