Broncos (6-6) at Chargers (5-7)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Chargers by 3
Broncos’ keys to victory: Offensively, it starts in the trenches where the offensive line must keep QB Russell Wilson upright. The Broncos allow three sacks per game, while the Chargers are coming off a five-sack performance against the Patriots. If Wilson is kept clean, he can look to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense, which ranks near the bottom of the league, by getting WRs Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy involved. Defensively, taking away WR Keenan Allen is imperative. Outside of Allen, the Bolts don’t have other pass catchers who have posed much of a threat.
Chargers’ keys to victory: If there’s a game for the Chargers to get their rushing offense going, it’s this one, as the Broncos are porous against the run. More important, it starts with the play calling from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Moore needs to be more creative, take advantage of short fields and capitalize on third downs and in late-game situations, something that’s been a problem in recent weeks. On defense, L.A. needs to continue to bring the heat. EDGE Khalil Mack has tied his career high in sacks (15).
Matchup to watch: Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi vs. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. Lombardi, who was fired by Los Angeles this past offseason, will be looking to get revenge on his former team. Lombardi’s offense ranks just below the middle of the pack while Staley’s defense has been finding its stride.
Who wins? The one should be close but the Chargers struggle to close out games.
Broncos, 24-21