Despite facing a winless Los Angeles Chargers team on Sunday, the Denver Broncos seem like the team with their backs against the wall in many ways. Earlier this week, the Broncos made a somewhat desperate move to strip offensive coordinator Davis Webb of his play-calling duties, which will go back to head coach Sean Payton.
Looking at the Chargers, they're not your standard 0-4 team. They still have Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert and they have beaten the Broncos five of the last six times in Los Angeles. They will be motivated for this game, as coming back from 0-5 is all but impossible. In fact, no team in NFL history has ever started 0-5 and still made the playoffs.
The Broncos know they can deal a heavy blow to their division rival in this
game. These bold predictions could go a long way in bringing that to reality.
Broncos' bold predictions vs. Chargers in Week 5
Troy Franklin posts a career high
After placing Pat Bryant on injured reserve following the ankle injury he suffered last week, the Broncos have elevated Lil'Jordan Humphrey from the practice squad for this game. Bryant was having a strong impact for the team through the first four games and now, Bo Nix's college teammate, Troy Franklin, gets a chance to slide into that role.
Franklin will respond with a big game out of nowhere. Despite catching only two passes for far this season, Franklin will post a career-high in receiving yards against the Chargers. He has hit 89 yards in a game twice during his professional career, his personal best. Against the Chargers, he will exceed that number.
Nik Bonitto brings down Justin Herbert three times
Nik Bonitto has just one sack so far this season. His team needs him to step up in this game and with the Chargers missing both of their starting tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, he'll respond with a big game, sacking the Chargers' quarterback three times.
RJ Harvey fills up the stat sheet
The Broncos' running game is struggling and it's hard to see that changing despite facing a defense allowing over 121 yards per game on the ground this season. Instead, the Broncos will rely on RJ Harvey to help carry the offense the way he did against the 49ers last week.
Harvey will rush for over 50 yards, catch at least seven passes for another 50+ yards, and he'll find himself in the end zone at least one time.
Broncos win by more than one score
The Broncos have a strong recent track record in one-score games, but they'll win this one by more than the eight points that make up a one-score game in the NFL. It won't be by much more, but the Broncos get to 3-2 while dropping the Chargers to 0-5.
Broncos 23, Chargers 14
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 4 bold predictions for Broncos’ game vs. Chargers in Week 5
