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5 Bold Predictions For Chargers vs. Broncos On Thursday Night Football

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5 Bold Predictions For Thursday Night Football Week 8: San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

San Diego Chargers v Denver Broncos
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The 2014 season is unfolding just how many predicted it would in the AFC West. The San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos are atop the division heading into Week 8, and their battle on TNF will give an early advantage to the winner.

It's safe to say that this is the best/most important TNF matchup of the season. Here are five bold predictions:

5. Branden Oliver Will Amass At Least 150 Yards From Scrimmage

branden oliver chargers
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5. Branden Oliver Will Amass At Least 150 Yards From Scrimmage

branden oliver chargers
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The Chargers' rookie RB fell back down to Earth in Week 7 after two straight games over 100 yards rushing. Look for him to get back on a tear in Week 8 against Denver, even though the Broncos have one of the best rush defenses in the league. Oliver should be a regular part of the San Diego receiving game out of the backfield.

4. Von Miller Will Increase His League-Leading Sack Total To 10

Von Miller
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4. Von Miller Will Increase His League-Leading Sack Total To 10

Von Miller
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Miller has not only returned to form after knee surgery, he's arguably better than ever with DeMarcus Ware on the same defense. The two pass-rush specialists are on pace for 32 combined sacks this season, a number which would likely give them more than some teams.

Look for Miller to take down Rivers at least twice on TNF to increase his league-leading sack total to 10.

3. Philip Rivers Will Throw For 300 Yards and 3 TDs

Philip Rivers San Diego Chargers
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3. Philip Rivers Will Throw For 300 Yards and 3 TDs

Philip Rivers San Diego Chargers
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Look for Rivers to rebound from his worst game of 2014 in a big way. The Cardinals were able to keep him under 240 yards passing and a 60 percent completion percentage in Week 7, but that's just not going to happen in Week 8.

The MVP candidate fires back with at least a 300-yard night through the air with three scores.

2. Ronnie Hillman Will Be Held Under 75 Yards From Scrimmage

Ronnie Hillman
USA Today Sports

2. Ronnie Hillman Will Be Held Under 75 Yards From Scrimmage

Ronnie Hillman
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Sorry, Fantasy owners. There's no way Ronnie Hillman has a game on TNF like he's had the past two weeks. The young RB has been on roll since taking over for Montee Ball, but it has to come to an end at some point.

Hillman will be serviceable in Week 8, but will fail to reach 75 yards from scrimmage.

1. Broncos Win, 42-24

Peyton-Manning8
USA Today Sports

1. Broncos Win, 42-24

Peyton-Manning8
USA Today Sports

If this game were played in San Diego, the outcome would be much different. But since it's a short week and the Broncos are at home, you have to like Denver's chances. No team is ever fully prepared to take on Peyton Manning after a regular week of preparation. On a short week, it's even tougher to game plan for him.

Manning shines again to lead the Broncos to a W and sole possession of first place in the AFC West.

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