Around the AFC West: How the West was won by all in Week 9
By Ellen Mathis
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers hosted the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. The Packers were coming off the Sunday Night win against the Chiefs and were looking to continue to roll on their way to possibly winning their division. Having just watched the Chiefs beat the Vikings (I have to assume they knew?), the Packers were extra motivated to win. Obviously this translated to the field right? Wrong.
The Chargers put on their big boy pants and made Aaron Rodgers and Co. look silly. The defense played with a fire I hadn’t seen all year terrorizing Rodgers and bottling up Aaron Jones. Even with the addition of Davonte Adams back in the lineup, the Packers could do nothing against the Chargers defense.
On the offensive side of the ball, it appears Melvin Gordon has finally knocked all the rust off. He had two touchdowns in the decisive win. The offense also saw the return of Michael Badgley, their kicker, who had been out with a groin injury for most of the season. Was this a result of the firing of Ken Whisenhunt or is this a blip in the radar? Do we need to consider a surging Chargers team as the Chiefs head to a big Mexico City battle? It remains to be seen.
The Chargers did not leave this game without their share of injuries. Offensive tackle Sam Tevi and linebacker Denzel Perryman both left the game with knee injuries. Neither has practiced this week leading up to a big Thursday night match-up so it looks doubtful that either will be available.
The Chargers travel a few miles to Oakland to take on the Raiders on Thursday Night Football in a huge divisional game. The Raiders and Chargers are essentially tied in their records (the Raiders have had their bye week so have one less loss). Both need this win to keep playoff hopes alive. Both are coming off big wins. It will definitely be one to watch, but I believe that if this is the true Chargers defense, they will win.
Opening line odds for the Chargers in Week 10: Bolts by 1.5.
Game time is Thursday at 7:20 p.m.