
This long-running rivalry of original AFL teams continues after they split the series last season. Denver won 39-38 at home last year thanks to a controversial fumble call that led to the winning touchdown and two-point conversion. The Bolts earned revenge with a 52-21 home victory in the regular-season finale, taking the AFC West Division crown. The teams piled up yardage in those games, combining for 942 yards in the first meeting and 897 in the second, which also saw the Chargers set a team rushing record with 289 yards. Keys to this game will be if Philip Rivers can find some holes in the Broncos improved secondary and hit Vincent Jackson with key passes. And if the Chargers defense can bottle up Denver running back Correll Buckhalter, they can put some pressure on the Broncos passing game. Noteworthy: Denver is 26-32-1 all-time on Monday Night Football. San Diego is 18-14-0 on MNF. The last time these teams played each other on MNF, the Bolts beat the Broncos 23-3 at home in 2007. Prediction: Chargers 38, Broncos 34 CHARGERS GAME PREVIEW Monday Oct. 19 Denver at San Diego, Qualcomm Stadium, 5:30 p.m. TV: ESPN All-time Series: Broncos lead 53-44-1. Last meeting: Chargers won 52-21 in 2008. Key Stats: Denver’s pass defense was ranked No. 2 in the NFL after the first three weeks of the season, allowing 136.3 yards per game. The Chargers passing offense ranked No. 2 going into Week 4 at 315.7 yards.