The San Diego Chargers might be getting a big boost to their offense on Sunday. Chargers coach Norv Turner expects that running back Ryan Mathews (fractured clavicle) will make his season debut against Atlanta, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Chargers lost top wide receiver Vincent Jackson to free agency so Matthews' work load was going to increase this season. Matthews fractured his clavicle in the first preseason game against Green Bay.

San Diego has started the season 2-0 without Matthews. A combination of Jackie Battle, Curtis Brinkley and Ronnie Brown have filled in at running back. Quarterback Phillip Rivers has played well in wins against Oakland and Tennessee.

Meanwhile each of San Diego's division rivals have shown flaws in their first two games. Oakland and Kansas City haven't won a game, and Denver are 1-1.

The Broncos are a new team with Peyton Manning at quarterback. Denver beat Pittsburgh in week 1 and on "over reaction Monday" experts praised the Broncos as the division favorites. Others who didn't over react knew that Manning had four neck surgeries in the last year and wanted to see more of the former Indianapolis quarterback. Manning threw three first quarter interceptions in week 2 at Atlanta on Monday night. Now there's questions about Manning and the Broncos in general.

The Broncos Monday night struggles make the Chargers the current favorite to win the AFC West. There is still plenty of football to be played, but the return of Ryan Matthews could give the Chargers an advantage in their division.



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