:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26385257/20140105_ajl_al2_212.0.jpg)
A Perfect Weekend (Except the Bengals) - Peter King
The Chargers can’t win a scoring contest against Peyton Manning, but they’re uniquely equipped to challenge Denver. Defensive coordinator John Pagano has the chess pieces to frustrate Manning, and no opposing coach knows the refurbished Manning like Mike McCoy—his 2012 offensive coordinator—does.
Mandatory Monday: Now in Sepia - Mike Tanier
The two AFC survivors might as well have "undercard" stenciled on their helmets. The anything-is-possible Colts and gift-certificate-cashing Chargers are fun, but they are not serious threats to the Brady/Manning hegemony.
Ronnie Brown could see expanded role - Eric Williams
"Every guy is important," San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Ronnie Brown is a team favorite and a great teammate. He's so unselfish. He’s dressed so many games and not played. When he’s called on, you see why he was picked high in the draft and why he’s had a heck of a career. We’re glad we got him."
NFL Run & Shootaround: The Right Stuff - Grantland Staff
The symbols of Whisenhunt’s success this year are everywhere. Despite his coordinator experience, McCoy lets Whisenhunt handle the play-calling duties, and in one year, San Diego went from 24th in offensive DVOA to third. Philip Rivers just finished what might have been the best season of his career. And Whisenhunt’s reward for it all looks to be less than a year’s stay on the head-coach scrap heap.
Broncos extremely fortunate to miss Andrew Luck and his blazing Colts - David Ramsey
The Chargers thrilled their fans and stunned the NFL with a tough, smart effort against a befuddled Andy Dalton and the rest of the Bengals. The Chargers also offered a huge favor to the Broncos, who were blessed with a one-week vacation from facing Luck and his Colts.