Since then, they blew out the Bengals 37-0 in Week 17, and then headed into Cincinnati and manhandled them 24-14 in the Wild Card Round.

The Chargers finished the season 13-3, on an 11-game winning streak, and as the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

In the process of their 11 game winning streak, which came after an embarrassing loss to the Steelers, they shored up their run defense and swept the NFC East.

They enter this game playing well in all three phases (offense/defense/special teams) and are looking to advance to the AFC Title Game.

Onto the analysis of this game:

When the Jets have the ball, expect OC Schottenheimer to continue running the ball with Thomas Jones and rookie Shonne Greene. While the Chargers have vastly improved their run defense over the course of the season, they can still be run on.

The Jets will use a lot of misdirection and counter run plays to take full advantage of their backfield’s ability.

Once the running game finds a little rhythm, they’ll begin attacking through the air with high percentage passes.

The one thing New York wants to avoid is putting Mark Sanchez in a lot of 3rd and longs. So slants and quick outs to Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller will be incorporated throughout.

If they find success here, Sanchez will take at least one, maybe two shots down the field to “no-hands” Edwards.

Regardless of whether he catches it or not, the effect will be positive: in the first instance, it could be a TD; in the second, it’ll keep San Diego from bringing their Safetys up to stop the run.

Also keep an eye on Brad Smith in the Wild Cat.

San Diego hasn’t seen the Wild Cat much this season and this could cause confusion defensively.

When San Diego has the ball, look for Rivers to direct the attack through the air.

The Chargers running game has been non-existent in 2009, outside of the 2 yard TD runs LdT consistently gets, and they’ll find little success going against the league’s No. 8 ranked run defense.

The Jets Linebackers and Defensive Lineman plug holes quickly (outside of last week vs. Benson) and will keep Tomlinson and Sproles from finding success.

To combat this, Rivers will throw early and often. The most dangerous weapon for the Chargers will be TE Antonio Gates. The Jets don’t have anyone who matches up well with him, so expect No. 85 to be targeted over 10 times on Sunday.

Vincent Jackson will be limited by Darrelle Revis but Malcom Floyd and Legedu Nanee should have success against the N0 2. and Nickel CB.

Also keep an eye on Darren Sproles out of the backfield who could be a big part of the short passing game.

Screens are the perfect antidote against blitzing teams and the Jets love to bring pressure.

When the clock winds down to 0:00, look for the Chargers, currently favored by 7.5 points, to advance to the AFC Championship with a 20-13 win.

If the Jets can jump on them early, they have a real shot of stealing this game. But if it’s close throughout, which is how we see it shaping up, then expect Rivers and Co. to be too much in the 4th quarter and pull out the close win at home.

1. QB Phillip Rivers vs. Tennessee Titans

For all the the Titans improvements over their eight game run, and there have been many, stopping the pass is still a struggle for them. They allowed Chad Henne to rally the Dolphins late last week and he finished with 349 yards and 1 TD on the day.

Rivers will torch this secondary too and notch between two and three TDs in the process. Expect big games out of Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates.

2. RB Frank Gore vs. Detroit Lions

You’ve got to figure that the Lions aren’t too thrilled about traveling to the west coast at this stage of the season. On top of that, they’re 0 for the season on the road and don’t stop the run. All this adds up to a stellar day for Frank Gore who will easily eclipse 100 yards with a TD.

3. WR Randy Moss vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Moss has been scrutinized in recent weeks but has an excellent opportunity for a breakout game when the Jaguars come to town. They are horrible against the pass, especially the deep pass, which is  Moss’s specialty. Expect he and Tom Brady to hook up all afternoon and for at least one of those to be of the longer variety.

Fantasy Busts

1. QB David Garrard vs. New England Patriots

While Garrard has had some very good games at home, 223 yards and 3TDs vs Colts last Thursday, he struggles mightily on the road. And this week, heading to New England, where the Pats actually defense the pass well, look for another flop from Garrard and not much out of this offense.

2. RB Steven Jackson vs. Arizona Cardinals

Opposing teams are doing a great job of keying on Jackson in recent weeks because he’s the Rams only viable threat on offense. The Cardinals will follow this blue print, now that Keith Null is the starting QB, and do a good job of rendering No. 39 ineffective on Sunday.

3. WR Reggie Wayne vs. New York Jets

Darrelle Revis has blanketed every receiver he has faced this year and that includes the likes of Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Randy Moss, etc. Wayne, not 100% healthy, will be unable to shake Revis in Week 16 and keep Manning looking in his other receivers’ direction. You should look elsewhere too in your fantasy football playoffs.

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Best Bet

1. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) vs. Tampa Buccaneers

The Seahawks were annihilated vs. the Texans last week yet are the best bet this week. How? Because they’re a much better team at home and are welcoming the 1-12 (0-6 road) Bucs to town.  Seattle will control this game offensively and use the legs of Justin Forsett to wear down the Bucs defense late.

Rookie QB Josh Freeman has been a turnover machine the past few weeks and Seattle’s D will capitalize on a few of his mistakes here.

Next In Line

2. Kansas City Chiefs (-2) vs. Cleveland Browns

This is likely the most unwatchable game on the schedule except for those with money on the line… both teams have been horrible lately outside of Cleveland’s upset of the Steelers last Thursday. The Chiefs have suffered offensively during Dwayne Bowe’s absence but he returns on Sunday. This will help out Cassel who’ll have more options in the passing game. The Browns offense is inept as a group and Kansas City is still a difficult place for opponents to play.

3. Baltimore Ravens (-11) vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears season has been a complete wash and Cutler has struggled without the necessary talent surrounding him. They also travel poorly (1-5 on road). The Ravens are still in the thick of the playoff race and we like Baltimore to pour it on this Sunday. Look for a lot of Ray Rice offensively and for the Ravens D to get after Cutler and force him into sacks and turnovers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs. San Diego Chargers

See Money Line analysis.

Others We Like

Arizona Cardinals (-12) vs. Detroit Lions

The Cardinals on the road in 2009 have been phenomenal. They’re 5-2 and one of those losses came when Kurt Warner was out. The other came on Monday against the 49ers, who have owned them recently. They’ll get back to their winning ways with a romp in Detroit. Warner and Co. will pick apart the Lions D and Detroit is looking like they’ll be forced to go with Daunte Culpepper at QB.

New Orleans Saints (-7) vs. Dallas Cowboys

This will probably be the last game of the regular season that the Saints get revved up for and look for them to put a show Saturday Night in the Big Easy. No one to date has stopped Drew Brees and Co. at home and the Cowboys won’t be the first. Dallas is also playing on edge after hearing all the “can’t win in December talk” and will lose in by at least 10.

Denver Broncos (-14) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Broncos have laid a few eggs in recent years when hosting the Raiders as big time favorites, but we don’t see that happening again. The main reason is this year’s team has a defense. They’ll get after Charlie Frye and make his life miserable, forcing turnovers and a lot three and outs. On top of that, the offense is playing well and Orton and his skill players are clicking at the right time. Look for a rout on Sunday.

Money Line

Cincinnati Bengals (+220) vs. San Diego Chargers

This game has huge playoff ramifications as the team that wins puts itself in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Cincinnati will be playing this one with a heavy heart after the death of WR Chris Henry on Thursday.

The Bengals actually play a style of defense which matches up very well against San Diego. The Chargers are excellent at passing the ball but the Bengals feature one of the top rated pass defenses in the NFL. Their CB duo, Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, is one of the best in the business. The Bengals stop the run fairly well but the Chargers don’t feature much of a ground attack, so expect most of their attention to be on Phillip Rivers.

Offensively, the Bengals have been in a slump but have a chance to get back on track here. Look for them to pound the ball with Cedric Benson as the Chargers still have issues stopping the run. They’re much better than they were earlier in the season but still vulnerable against better running attacks.

In the passing game, look for Palmer to execute a safer attack to Ochocinco, Coles and Caldwell. The Chargers are good at preventing the long ball so we expect more of an underneath passing game.

When it’s all said and done, look for the Bengals, rallying around the death of Chris Henry, to pull out a tough road win.

1. Antonio Gate

Gates continued his hot season in Dallas with another score on Sunday. He should make an even bigger impact vs. Cincinnati. The Bengals have one of the top CB duos in the league and will force Rivers to look to his TE. Expect at least 75 yards and 1 TD.

2. Dallas Clark vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

It appears as if the Colts plan to play their starters the entire game on Thursday. So, Clark, being healthy, should be good for an entire game and reach the end zone again.

3. Vernon Davis vs. Philadelphia Eagles

While Davis is still prone to drops, he’s been able to overcome them with some amazing performances.  He’s scored TDs in four consecutive games and will make if five in Philly. The Eagles, as the Giants showed on Sunday, are vulnerable to against pass.

4. Brent Celek vs. San Francisco 49ers

Already one of McNabb’s top targets, his role becomes more important with the loss of Jeremy Maclin to this offense. Look for McNabb to target him early and often and for Celek to reach the end zone for third straight week.

Sleepers

1. Jermichael Finley vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

If the Steelers bring a heavy pass rush, Rodgers will be forced to dump the ball off early. In that case, Finley will be his safety valve. Look for Finley, much faster than most LBers who cover him, to excel in Pittsburgh and he’s a great fantasy sleeper in Week 15.

2. Fred Davis vs. New York Giants

The Giants, thanks to Ray Handley Jr. (Bill Sheridan) as the defensive coordinator, have gaping holes in it secondary and still can’t figure out who to cover. This bodes well for Davis who should be open all night.

Others We Like

Tony Gonzalez vs. New York Jets

Darrelle Revis should render Roddy White useless in this one. So expect Redman, or Ryan if he’s back, to focus their attention towards Gonzalez on Sunday.

Visanthe Schiancoe vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ CBs are pretty strong and this, along with the possibility Harvin can’t play, should have Favre looking in his TEs direction. Look for another red zone score on Sunday Night.

John Carlson vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carlson’s been a colossal fantasy football bust in 2009 and failed to live up to his pre-season billing. But if he wants to make up for it, a good game in the playoff round would go a long way towards that. Tampa’s a joke as a franchise and Carlson should find the end zone on Sunday.

A Few More

Kevin Boss vs. Washington Redskins

Heath Miller vs. Green Bay Packers

Greg Olsen vs. Baltimore Ravens

Jason Witten vs. New Orleans

1. Andre Johnson

Johnson exploded against the Seahawks with 11 catches for 193 yards and 2 TDs. He has another easy matchup this week facing a Rams team without the talent in the secondary to cover him. Look for another 100 yard game with at least one TD. He’s the top ranked fantasy football WR is Week 15.

2. Randy Moss vs. Buffalo Bills

Some have questioned whether Randy Moss quit on the Patriots last week but his teammates, and coach, have publicly supported him. Whatever happened vs. Carolina will be just a bump in the road. Recently, Moss has owned Buffalo, and that will be the case Sunday.

3. Marques Colston vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Saints at home are as dangerous as it gets and Brees will be throwing a lot on Sunday… especially if DeMarcus Ware is unable to go because he’s the Cowboys main pass rusher. Give Brees time and he’ll kill you. Look for him to hook up with Colston for 100 yards and a score on Saturday.

4. Brandon Marshall vs. Oakland Raiders

21 catches for 200 yards and 2 TDs will always keep you at the top of this list. Marshall’s confidence and timing with Orton are both through the roof right now and we like another big day with a TD against the Raiders.

Sleepers

1. Michael Crabtree vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Crabtree scored another TD on Monday Night and is looking more comfortable as the team’s No. 1 with each game he plays. The Eagles DBs are vulnerable to the deep pass because of their penchant to jump routes and we see Crabtree and Smith taking advantage of one of them. He’s a top fantasy sleeper in Week 15.

2. Johnny Knox vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens one weakness on defense has been its pass defense in 2009. And Knox has a chance to make some big plays on Sunday due to his blazing speed.

Others We Like

Vincent Jackson vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Jackson and Rivers are beginning to find their rhythm again after a slow three game stretch. They connected seven times for 120 yards against Dallas last Sunday. While the Bengals pass D is solid, look for at least one long TD for Jackson on Sunday.

Miles Austin vs. New Orleans Saints

The Cowboys will most likely find themselves in a shootout against the Saints and Miles will be used heavily on crossing routes and plays that allow him to use his run after the catch skills. He could finish with double digit catches for 100 yards and a score.

DeSean Jackson vs. San Francisco 49ers

There’s not a CB in the league that can stay with Jackson man to man. He’s simply too fast. And McNabb, blessed with a strong arm, has no problem getting the ball to him. Look for another big day for No. 10 and a TD of over 50 yards.

A Few More

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Detroit Lions

Anquan Boldin vs. Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson vs. Arizona Cardinals

Steve Smith vs. Washington Redskins

Derrick Mason vs. Chicago Bears

1. Tennessee Titans vs. St. Louis Rams

The Titans are still mathematically alive in the playoff race although another loss would be the “nail in the coffin.” They have an easy opponent in the Rams this week and should win going away. Chris Johnson could have another one of those 200 yard games and the defense, although far from the unit of ’08, will get after Kyle Boller and keep the score under 14.

2. Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Texans are in a similar situation to the Titans although their last three losses probably spelled and end to their post season chances because all were in the division.  But they’re still playing for Gary Kubiak’s job and have the offensive firepower to put points on the board against Seattle. Another reason to like Houston is the Seahawks travel terribly; they’re 1-5 on the road.

3. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers

The Cowboys are the more desperate team in this matchup and will play like it on Sunday. Offensively, they’ll emphasize the run while employing a methodical passing attack which eats away at the clock. Defensively, the Chargers have no running game to speak of, so while Rivers will have success through the air, look for Ware and Co. to keep the unit in check.

The final score will be close, but look for Dallas to prevail.

1. Drew Brees

Even when it looks like he’s poised for a sub par day, Brees finds a way to shine in fantasy football. He overcame a poor 1st three quarters of football to finish with 419 yards and 2 TDs vs. the Redskins on Sunday. This week he faces an even easier opponent and will light up the Falcons secondary to the tune of 300 plus yards and 3 TDs.

2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Chicago Bears

Rodgers tossed for 262 yards and 3 TDs in their win over Baltimore on Monday Night. And that was against a much better defense than the Bears have. Expect him to carve up Chicago’s secondary by locating Jennings, Driver and Finley all afternoon.

3. Kurt Warner vs. San Francisco 49ers

Warner’s playing at a very high level and was nearly flawless against the Vikings on Sunday Night. He finished with 285 yards and 3 TDs. They have a chance to clinch the NFC West in Week 14 so look for Warner to put on a show Monday Night.

4. Phillip Rivers vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys will stifle the Bolts running game and force Rivers to beat them through the air. But this is exactly how San Diego is built. He should have a lot of success finding Gates over the middle and look for him to hit Jackson or Floyd on at least one deep pass for a TD.

Sleepers

1. Chad Henne vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are probably the worst 7-5 the NFL has seen. Their pass rush is soft and their secondary is weak. Henne’s confidence is quietly growing as is his production on the field, so look for him to be a nice fantasy sleeper play on Sunday.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs defensive effort on Sunday was pathetic as Kyle Orton had his way with the unit. Fitzpatrick, even behind a suspect offensive line, will have a chance for a big game finding T.O. and Evans on a few deep passes.

Others We Like

Donovan McNabb vs. New York Giants

The Giants defense still has all sorts of issues stopping the pass because they can’t generate a pass rush. Tony Romo proved this passing for 392 yards and 3 TDs in Week 13. McNabb’s always fared well against the G Men and will do so again Sunday Night.

Tony Romo vs. San Diego Chargers

Romo will follow-up last week’s effort with another solid game in Week 14. The Chargers are soft up front, ie lack a consistent pass rush, and that will give Romo the time to locate Witten, Austin and Williams for over 250 yards and 2 TDs.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cleveland Browns

The Steelers inexplicable loss to the Raiders is a bad omen for Cleveland. Pittsburgh wants to embarrass them on National TV and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Expect Big Ben to bounce back with over 250 yards and 2 TDs.

A Few More

Joe Flacco vs. Detroit Lions

Carson Palmer vs. Minnesota Vikings

Vince Young vs. St. Louis Rams

1. Antonio Gates

There are two things which could potentially stop Gates this week in Cleveland: the weather and a huge Chargers lead. That’s it. No one in Cleveland’s secondary is going to be able to keep up with him. Expect he and Rivers to follow-up on their excellent Week 12 performance (118 yards, 2 TDs) with another solid game.

2. Jason Witten vs. New York Giants

The New York Giants defense is in complete shambles and can’t seem to figure things out under DC Bill Sheridan. It’s almost embarrassing to watch their Safeties in coverage. This is great news for Witten’s fantasy owners who’ve been waiting a while for a break out game; this is it.

3. Vernon Davis vs. Seattle Seahawks

Davis has been the premier fantasy football TE in 2009 and continues to enjoy success with Alex Smith as his starting QB. The two have found the end zone in consecutive weeks and will find it for a third in Seattle.

4. Visanthe Schiancoe vs. Arizona Cardinals

Favre’s favorite red zone target continues to be a beast near the end zone. Look for a high scoring affair in the desert and at least one TD – maybe two – for Schiancoe.

Sleepers

1. Dustin Keller vs. Buffalo Bills

With Rex Ryan placing an emphasis on ball control, Sanchez will throw safer passes. This will open things up for Keller who should immediately reap the benefits of the short passing game. He’s an excellent fantasy sleeper on Thursday Night.

2. Jermichael Finley vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens strong pass rush will likely have Aaron Rodgers passing the ball sooner than he’d like to, and this could prove a blessing for Finley. He’s tall, fast and has excellent hands and will prove a nightmare matchup for the Ravens Linebackers.

Others We Like

Greg Olsen vs. St. Louis Rams

Olsen is Cutler’s only viable threat and will be targeted heavily against the Rams. Look for Olsen to top 70 yards with at least one score.

Brent Celek vs. Atlanta Falcons

Celek’s torn ligaments in his finger is disconcerting, but according to him it won’t be a major problem (catching the ball). With the likelihood of Philadelphia being forced to play this without Jackson, Celek’s role will be that much more prominent in this offense.

Dallas Clark vs. Tennessee Titans

Clark is Manning’s No. 2 target (after Wayne) and continues to shine in the passing game. He’ll find the going rather easy against the Titans secondary and should be in line for a big day.

A Few More

Heath Miller vs. Oakland Raiders

Jeremy Shockey vs. Washington Redskins

Tony Gonzalez vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Boss vs. Dallas Cowboys