Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Live updates
Pre-game updates
Scouting report (10:30 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Raiders in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Chargers 17
Line these rosters and this game up and it feels like a Los Angeles win. Jim Harbaugh’s done good work with the Bolts already and it should pay dividends for Justin Herbert over time. They’re coming off a bye. They could get their starting tackles back. They’re more dedicated to actually running the football. They’re favored on the road for a reason. But sometimes you just ride the wave. The Broncos defense looks capable of gliding down the barrel of a big breaker for a while still. At some point, the offense is going to have to win this team a game. Would certainly be interesting if Denver finds its way to 4-2.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 13, Chargers 10
This game won’t be pretty. We are not going to get a Broncos-Jets type of matchup, but anticipate a low-scoring contest that’s dictated by the run game. As long as Nix stays away from turning the ball over like he has in the last three weeks, Denver should be able to come away with a win. It’s hard to bet against Denver’s defense at the moment.
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 17, Chargers 15
Everything is suddenly in front of the Broncos. They have won three straight and can post victories in their first two AFC West games for the first time since 2017. No team accomplishes its goals without playing well in the division. The Broncos understand this game does not have the juice of the Raiders, but it is equally important. The sets up as a grimy, hand-in-the-ground cage match given the excellence of both defenses. In the end, a Justin Herbert interception by Denver’s secondary — Riley Moss is my bet — will set up a game-winning field goal.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 16, Chargers 13
Justin Herbert is playing with a brace. Bo Nix is playing with a swagger. A lot’s been made about Joey Bosa against a beat-up Broncos offensive line, but even with career Bronco-killer Maxx Crosby (two sacks) all up in his face, Nix still moved the sticks with his legs when he had to, including an 11-yard run for a first down to take the wind out of some silver-and-black pirates’ sails. Bo grows. And glows. Again.
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Good-on-good matchups make for must-see TV in the NFL.
Good-on-bad matchups often determine the outcome of games.
If the Broncos are to run their winning streak to four games Sunday by beating the Los Angeles Chargers, they’re likely going to have to notch a win or two in an area where they’ll be big underdogs: The offensive red zone.
Denver through five weeks is tied for 27th in the NFL with a 43.8% red zone touchdown rate, though they’ve been on a bit of an upswing recently. That’s perhaps not a big surprise with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix. Life comes at you fast in pro football and even faster when the field gets compressed, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
Broncos prepare for “old school” matchup vs. run-heavy Chargers: “They’re a physical, tough-nosed team”
For those interested in high-flying offenses and explosive plays, Sunday’s matchup between the Broncos and Chargers might not satisfy your needs.
Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Los Angeles has adopted a physical, run-heavy offense and Denver’s defense will have to adjust for that style of play.
This season, Los Angeles has had one of the steadiest rushing attacks in football. The Chargers are ninth in rushing yards per game (127.8) and second in run rate (53%), according to Next Gen Stats. Similar to Roman’s days as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator, he utilizes a two-running back system, featuring former Ravens JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.
Renck: Sean Payton or Jim Harbaugh? Payton was not Broncos’ first choice, but was the right choice.
There were no Tears for a Clown when Broncos owner Greg Penner fired Nathaniel Hackett in 2022. After an odious 15-game performance, stained by players lacking discipline and fighting on the sideline, Penner identified the qualities most important for removing the floppy shoes and red nose from the organization’s coaching office.
“We need a strong leader that’s focused on winning. That starts with culture,” he said. “It’s about instilling a sense of accountability, discipline, and we need an identity on offense. But at the starting point, it’s got to be about culture and leadership.”
Penner might as well have been reading Jim Harbaugh’s qualifications on Indeed.
As Sean Payton’s Broncos get ready to host Harbaugh’s Chargers on Sunday, it’s a debate worth revisiting, Troy Renck writes. Read the full column.
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