The Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) take on the Denver Broncos (3-8) in Week 13 of the 2019 regular season.
Here are four matchups to keep an eye on that could ultimately determine the outcome of the game.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers vs. Broncos secondary
In the first meeting of the season, Rivers’ performance wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows as he was held to 211 passing yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Since then, has accumulated 14 interceptions on the season and is looking to get back on track, but it won’t be easy facing a stout Broncos secondary.
Led by cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and safety Justin Simmons, Denver hasn’t made life easy on opposing quarterbacks, allowing only 207.5 passing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Although they’re strong in this area, they haven’t been able to take the ball away, totaling only 10 takeaways this season.
Rivers, who’s been susceptible to making poor decisions and throwing the ball to whoever in hopes of them coming down with the catch, can’t do that on Sunday or else they will make him pay. Rivers has thrown six interceptions the past three games that the two teams have played against each other.
Chargers offensive tackles vs. Broncos pass rush
It’s currently up in the air if offensive tackles Russell Okung and Sam Tevi will be ready for this weekend’s game. The two have been limited participants in practice, and the team has yet to officially rule them out, which means they could play.
Having Okung and Tevi on the field is huge for Rivers because the veteran quarterback hasn’t fared well in the last two outings with Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott blocking for him. Even when he had a clean pocket, he appeared to look uncomfortable and rushed to get the ball off. As a result, he tossed seven interceptions in those games.
If the Chargers want to get the best of Rivers, they need to have his security blanket on the field. It’ll be huge to eliminate linebacker Von Miller, who has 16 career sacks against the Bolts, which is most against any opponent. Opposite of Miller is undrafted rookie Malik Reed, who has filled in the shoes of Bradley Chubb, who suffered a season-ending injury earlier on.
Chargers WR Keenan Allen vs. Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr.
In what might be the most enticing matchup of the game, two of the best players at their perspective position will be dueling it out once again.
When the teams met in Week 5, Harris held Allen to four receptions on six targets for just 18 yards. Despite the stat line signifying that Harris won the battle, Allen didn’t believe that was the case and went to his personal Instagram account to comment on a fan account of Harris Jr.
“Now, y’all know damn well that boy can’t hold my jockstrap. Stop it.”
Even though Allen didn’t surpass 20 yards receiving, there were a couple of times where he felt he had Harris beat. “Just watch the tape” for proof.
Allen, who’s been a roller coaster of production this season, will be a critical part of the team’s offense on Sunday.
Broncos QB Drew Lock vs. Chargers pass defense
A new era has begun in Denver as rookie Drew Lock is expected come off the injured reserve and take over as the team’s starting quarterback this weekend.
Lock will have a tough test ahead of him facing a Chargers defense that’s only allowing 205.3 passing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the NFL. Not to mention, the group could be become even more lethal if safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips return to the playing field.
But even if Los Angeles is going to face a first-year quarterback, they know that they can’t take him lightly. The team has went against plenty of them in which should’ve been a piece of cake, but they struggled against.
“We’ve faced so many different quarterbacks this year (that) it doesn’t really matter (who) they put out on the field. It’s more about us,” Lynn said.
