2014 AFC Wild Card Weekend: San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

[bkrich83]

Quote: Originally Posted by redsrule

Why? He has set Bengals records in passing yards/touchdowns, and in their last 5 home games, the Bengals are averaging almost 42 points a game. If they lose I expect that he will be the key reason, but considering they went 8-0 at home this year and are playing a team they already beat on the road I would think his confidence is high right now.

I am a Dalton fan first and foremost, but he is coming off a 4 pick day and he does have a penchant to turning the ball over. Their defense is good enough to overcome the turnovers usually, as they were against Baltimore's non-existent offense.

I see where the other poster is coming from, in the playoffs QB's are usually the biggest difference maker, as well as Dalton has played, he's not been anywhere near the level Rivers has been this year. Or at least that's the direction I think he was going.

I like Dalton, and he really made a jump this year, but he does have a tendency to turn it over, and in the playoffs, turnovers are lethal.

I like the Bengals in this one in a tight game that resembles the last time they met. Say 24-20 Bengals. I just think the Bengals are a bad matchup for SD. I think the Chargers actually match up better vs. Denver or KC.

[areobee401]

Have to pull for a Cincinnati win this weekend. Gives New England the best chance at not having to face Denver in the AFC Championship game. Not to say they beat Cincinnati. But if they do I'd rather not have to see them travel to Denver.

If that wasn't my line of thinking, I'd be all for San Diego winning. I feel the AFC is better when they are competitive.

[Gronk4M13]

As much as I hate to say it, it's gonna be the Bengals. 8-0 at home, riding some momentum, and the Chargers barely beat the Chiefs' backups.

[tdawg3782]

I'm not defending the fact that the Chargers will beat the Bengals because I think the Bengals are the better team. However I keep reading "Chargers barley beat the Chiefs backups" over and over. Does the win in Denver not count for anything? What about the win against the Chiefs starters in KC? How about the win vs the Colts? The Eagles? Their current 4 game win streak? Yes the Chargers have had some bad losses as well (Raiders, Redskins, Texans, etc.) but it seems the only focus has been the close game against the Chiefs backups. While that was a poor played game by the Chargers that is not who they are. Not trying to change opinion or argue. Just curious.

[BatsareBugs]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gronk4M13

As much as I hate to say it, it's gonna be the Bengals. 8-0 at home, riding some momentum, and the Chargers barely beat the Chiefs' backups.

Hmm... let's see, so the Chiefs played their back-up QB who no one has a scouting report on. How many times has a 2nd QB been in a game to tear the opposing team to shreds. Oh yeah, Chiefs only scored 3 points the entire second half. Defense made adjustments.

The offense should've done better, but there were a few Norv-like deep throws that Rivers attempted on 3rd and short.

And if momentum is a factor, then what of the Chargers?

I'm not saying they'll win this game, but hey, even the well-balanced Chargers teams of last decade got trounced in the playoffs. The paper matchup means nothing.

[Boltman]

Quote: Originally Posted by tdawg3782

I'm not defending the fact that the Chargers will beat the Bengals because I think the Bengals are the better team. However I keep reading "Chargers barley beat the Chiefs backups" over and over. Does the win in Denver not count for anything? What about the win against the Chiefs starters in KC? How about the win vs the Colts? The Eagles? Their current 4 game win streak? Yes the Chargers have had some bad losses as well (Raiders, Redskins, Texans, etc.) but it seems the only focus has been the close game against the Chiefs backups. While that was a poor played game by the Chargers that is not who they are. Not trying to change opinion or argue. Just curious.

Quote: Originally Posted by BatsareBugs

Hmm... let's see, so the Chiefs played their back-up QB who no one has a scouting report on. How many times has a 2nd QB been in a game to tear the opposing team to shreds. Oh yeah, Chiefs only scored 3 points the entire second half. Defense made adjustments. The offense should've done better, but there were a few Norv-like deep throws that Rivers attempted on 3rd and short. And if momentum is a factor, then what of the Chargers? I'm not saying they'll win this game, but hey, even the well-balanced Chargers teams of last decade got trounced in the playoffs. The paper matchup means nothing.

The "barely beat the Chiefs backups" is the type of thing that casual football fans would say. Just laugh it off and let the comment go because it's irrelevant.

I'm leaning towards the Bengals taking this one, however anything can happen in the playoffs so I'm not counting the Bolts out.

[redsrule]

With Rivers at QB San Diego can definitely win. They are also more healthy than they were in the first meeting while the Bengals have some question marks, especially if Newman can't go with Leon Hall already out for the year.

[southriver]

This will be a super test for the Bolts. The Bengals just ran the ball down there throats in SD. Hopefully they play better in that aspect today. Its going to be close. In the game in SD Gates had basically the worst game of his career. I doubt he repeats that performance. Dalton can be turnover prone at times and deadly at others. I got my fingers crossed for turnover Andy .

I am just happy to have the excitment of the playoffs again. Here will be my emotions for today's game:

😄☺️😁😳😒😣😭😡😠😱😆😖😤😬😑😃


Hope it ends in that smile