San Diego Chargers (9-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
1:05 PM EST
CBS
Line: (Bengals -7)
San Diego Chargers Regular Season Review
The Chargers have had a turnaround season this year and quarterback Philip Rivers has had one of the best years of his career. The Chargers’ quarterback threw for 4,478 yards with 32 touchdowns resulting in 105.5 quarterback rating.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen has made a case for rookie of the year. The 21-year old rook had 71 receptions for 1,046 yards and eight touchdowns.
San Diego didn’t act as a force this year in the AFC, in fact they struggled at the beginning of the season, losing a few games they should have won. In order for the Chargers to make the playoffs this year, they needed some help in the final week of the season, and they received just that. They also had to beat the Chiefs which they did in controversial overtime fashion. The Chargers had a good 2013 season and are in the playoffs, nonetheless, but it’s unlikely they’ll advance.
Cincinnati Bengals Regular Season Review
The Bengals have had quite the year with their 11-5 record. Cincinnati has clinched a playoff berth for the third consecutive season, a new franchise record. The AFC North Champs are a perfect 8-0 at home this year, and will look to take that perfection into the postseason.
Quarterback, Andy Dalton had the best season of his career throwing for 4,296 yards and 33 touchdowns. Dalton has been very impressive at home, completing 63.5% of his passes resulting in 20 touchdowns.
The Bengals were also the only other team in the NFL to have two receivers with 10-plus touchdowns, A.J. Green with 11 and Marvin Jones with 10.
Statistical Breakdown
Chargers Bengals
Passing Offense 270.5 (4th) 258.5 (8th)
Rushing Offense 122.8 (13th) 109.7 (18th)
Scoring Offense 396 (12th) 430 (6th)
Passing Defense 258.7 (29th) 209 (5th)
Rushing Defense 107.8 (12th) 96.5 (5th)
Scoring Defense 348 305
Turnover Margin -4 (20th) 1 (13th)
Point Differential 48 (12th) 125 (4th)
Key Matchups
Bengals Receivers vs Chargers Secondary: The Bengals have two very good receivers who had 10-plus touchdowns each this season. Green and Jones could have a field day going against the Chargers secondary, as Dalton could use a weak Chargers defense to his advantage.
Rivers vs Bengals Defense: The Bengals defense is far better than the Chargers, and this Bengals defense will keep Rivers on his feet throughout the entire game. The Bengals have a decent defense against the passing game which will affect Rivers and the Chargers offense.
Biggest Mismatches
BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. Chargers rush defense: The Chargers have struggled against the rush this season. They have allowed 4.6 yards per carry which is the worst in the league. Green-Ellis and the Bengals will have the advantage in this matchup.
Prediction
Chargers: 24
Bengals: 34
This is where the Chargers season ends. They barely made the playoffs this year, and made it in by a controversial game. They are only a 9-7 team and are going against one of the top teams in the AFC. The Bengals had a far better season and are playing at home where they have been unstoppable. While the Bengals have had trouble in the playoffs, the Chargers should be an easier matchup for them.