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The Denver Broncos started off the season poised to win the AFC West. The Broncos stormed out to a 6-0 start, leaving the rest of the division in the dust. The quick start was capped off with a 34-23 win over the Chargers in San Diego.

Since that time, it has been a different story for the Broncos. A 30-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens following their bye week created some questions as to whether the Broncos were for real. Things didn't get any better in week 9 when Denver lost at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-10. Finally, when Denver were looking at a great chance to get back on track last week, they lost to the dismal Washington Redskins 27-17. What is going on in Denver?

To make matters that much worse, the Broncos are unsure how long they will be without starting quarterback Kyle Orton. Orton left that game against the Redskins at the end of the first half with a sprained ankle. It is likely that backup Chris Simms will replace Orton this week against the Chargers. Before going 3-for-13 with an interception in the second half of last week's game, Simms had thrown just two passes over the past two years.

On the other side of the ball we have a Charger team which is hitting its stride. The Chargers are riding a four game win streak into this one with big wins over the Giants in New York and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Charger offense looks great, mixing the pass and run effectively.

This matchup is two teams going in opposite directions. I have to go with the hot hand here. The Chargers can be backed at 1.68 (-147), which looks like good value to me.