NFL Preview: Broncos, Chargers Tangle on Monday Night

Denver Broncos (3-6) at San Diego Chargers (4-5)

Broncos Notes:

— With 32 yards Monday night against the Chargers, Denver WR Brandon Lloyd become just the 16th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 at this late a date in a career. He’s formed a dynamic pass-catch combo with QB Kyle Orton, reviving what many thought was a doomed career. Lloyd only played in two games last season.

— NT Jamal Williams for the first time will face the team for whom he played 12 seasons. Williams made the Pro Bowl from 2005-07 with the Chargers and was a two-time All-Pro during that span, too. He’ll be primarily responsible for stopping the tough-running San Diego ground game that will be led by RB Mike Tolbert this week. Rookie RB Ryan Mathews, the 12th overall pick in the 2010 Draft, is out with an ankle injury.

Chargers Notes:

— Is Philip Rivers the NFL MVP? He’s definitely in the conversation. Rivers leads the NFL in nearly every significant passing category: yards (2,944), touchdowns (19), yards per game (327.1) and is one of just three QBs to have a passer rating over 100.

— WR Malcom Floyd (hamstring) was a full participant again Thursday and all indications are he will start on Monday. That’s a huge boost for the Chargers. Floyd was a beast through the first six games of the season, hauling in 24 passes for 513 yards and three TDs. His 21.4 yards-per-catch led the team and earmarked him as one of the best big-play receivers in football. The Chargers are also hopeful that slot receiver Legedu Naanee (hamstring) will be able to return as well. Naanee went full-speed at practice on Wednesday and had to scale things back on Thursday, so his status for the weekend is still questionable.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) at San Francisco 49ers (3-6)

Bucs Notes:

— Tampa Bay only has eight sacks this year, the fewest in the NFL. They’ll need to figure out how to get pressure on 49ers QB Troy Smith, who will pick you apart if given time. He’s developed a nice rapport with TE Vernon Davis and Davis can be tough to handle with the ball in his hands. He’s San Francisco’s best playmaker in the open field.

— RB Cadillac Williams will get the start, but look for rookie RB LeGarrette Blount to carry the load once again. He had 19 carries for 91 yards and a TD last week against Carolina.

49ers Notes:

— The 49ers offensive line won’t be as strong this week with Joe Staley out of the lineup. Stanley suffered a broken fibula and will be out for at least a month.

— We mentioned that Troy Smith likes TE Vernon Davis — well, he also likes TE Delanie Walker as well. Walker has 165 receiving yards in the two games Smith has started, which leads the 49ers over that span.