November 18, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander (84) catches a touchdown pass over Denver Broncos cornerback Tony Carter (32) during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Chargers were wading in mediocrity with Norv Turner as head coach, so the franchise cleaned house and brought in ex-Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.
An offensive guru, McCoy made Tim Tebow look good and helped resurrect a hibernating Peyton Manning. He brings a dink and dunk system to San Diego, which should allow suddenly vertically challenged Philip Rivers to not only prolong his career, but get back to what he does best.
Ryan Mathews still can’t fully be relied upon at running back, which is why the Chargers brought in versatile back Danny Woodhead. In addition, the Chargers get a healthy Vincent Brown and freshly drafted Keenan Allen added to a hopefully more effective passing game.
Let’s take a look at San Diego’s six AFC West division games as we gear up for the 2013 season:
Home Games
- (11/10) vs. Denver Broncos | Avg: $235 | Get-in: $85
Not only is this a big rivalry game, but the Broncos are now the biggest measuring stick in the division again. If the Chargers are going to get a win in this season series, it’s more likely than not that it comes at home in this contest. At just 26% above the home game season average, fans are still getting a reasonable price, too.
- (12/22) vs. Oakland Raiders | Avg: $166 | Get-in: $47
The Raiders aren’t the best of opponents, but San Diego fans are likely to get a home game win, and that’s always to be celebrated. At just $166 on average, this cakewalk comes in at 11% less than the Chargers’ home game season average.
- (12/29) vs. Kansas City Chiefs | Avg: $136 | Get-in: $36
San Diego’s season finale comes against the rebuilt Chiefs, who could pose quite a challenge with a new quarterback and new head coach in place. If the Chiefs really do improve, this game could potentially carry major playoff and/or divisional weight. At just $136, fans are getting in at a whopping 27% under the home game average.
Road Games
- (10/6) @ Oakland Raiders | Avg: $106 | Get-in: $21
The Raiders and Chargers have a decent rivalry, but this one won’t get much hype. The Raiders aren’t very good, so a visit to the Black Hole shouldn’t scare the Chargers. Look for them to get the win at this appropriately priced contest.
- (11/24) @ Kansas City Chiefs | Avg: $97 | Get-in: $13
San Diego’s cheapest division game comes against the formerly lowly Chiefs, who could actually be a challenge. Even if they’re bad, it’s never easy to play in KC, but this one could be an amazing bargain at under $100 on average.
- (12/12) @ Denver Broncos | Avg: $277 | Get-in: $81
San Diego’s last division road game comes in Denver and is understandably even a little more expensive in Denver than it is in San Diego. Both of these Broncos/Chargers games are going to be fairly expensive, but both should be worth the price as they could be shootouts that go down to the wire.