Chargers (2-4) at Broncos (2-4)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: CBS

Danny Sheridan’s line: Chargers by 3

Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver QB Drew Lock won his first career start against the Chargers in Week 13 last season 23-20, but a lot has changed for both teams. With WR Courtland Sutton, who had two TD passes then, sidelined for the season (knee), Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy have stepped up. Lock should be able to find success against a secondary that will be without injured DBs Derwin James and Chris Harris. Denver also has a strong rushing attack, led by exChargers RB Melvin Gordon and local hero Phillip Lindsay. OLBs Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed need to generate pressure to rattle rookie QB Justin Herbert.

Chargers’ keys to victory: Herbert is off to a strong start. Denver has contained most of the running backs it has faced, so the Chargers can’t rely on Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley to lead the offensive attack. Herbert needs to move the ball through the air with WR Keenan Allen and TE Hunter Henry featured on offense. Allen has scored six TDs in 10 career games against Denver, and Henry could prove to be a mismatch for Broncos LB Josey Jewell, who defends the run well but can struggle in coverage.

Matchup to watch: Chargers WR Allen vs. Broncos CB A.J. Bouye. Allen has had success against Denver, but that wasn’t against Bouye, who joined the Broncos during the offseason.

Who wins? Los Angeles has the firepower on offense to keep the game close, but Denver has to be considered a favorite playing a mile above sea level with a limited number of fans in attendance.

Broncos 28-20