The Chargers are looking to extend their record past .500. They will have a good chance facing a Broncos team that has yet to capture a victory.
There will still be some key matchups to watch that could determine the outcome of the game.
Here are three to keep an eye on:
QB Philip Rivers vs. Broncos secondary
Through four games, Rivers is rolling. The 37-year old quarterback has thrown for 1,254 yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions and has a quarterback rating of 105.8. Only the Lions have held Rivers under 300 yards passing, but he will have a tough task facing a veteran loaded secondary.
The Broncos rank No. 5 in passing defense. Led by Chris Harris, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, they have averaged 200 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks.
Last season, Rivers threw four interceptions in the series between Los Angeles and Denver.
Chargers offensive tackles vs. Broncos EDGE Von Miller
The Broncos have one of the best pass rushing tandems in the NFL, but they will be without one of the members for the rest of the season. Linebacker Bradley Chubb suffered a torn ACL in last Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars. This leaves Von Miller as a one-man show.
Even though Chubb won’t be playing, this will be offensive tackles Trent Scott and Sam Tevi’s toughest task yet. Scott and Tevi have looked more improved in pass protection as the weeks have gone on, but if it’s one player, it’d be Miller to cause them fits.
Miller got off to a slow start, as he’s been trying to get in a groove in coach Vic Fangio’s system, but he’s starting to pick things up. The former Texas A&M product posted two sacks last Sunday against Jacksonville. There’s no doubt that he will be eager to expand his total this weekend.
Chargers front seven vs. Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay
It didn’t take long for Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay to take the league by storm last season, finishing with 1,037 yards and 10 touchdowns in only 10 starts. Now, the full-time starter, Lindsay has amassed 216 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
Lindsay is very similar to Chargers RB Austin Ekeler. Both players don’t have the biggest frame, but they run bigger than their frames suggest and they demonstrate the vision, the ability to make defenders miss, and are adept as pass-catchers.
Los Angeles has done a nice job holding opposing running backs to less than 100 yards the past two games, and a lot of credit goes to linebacker Denzel Perryman’s return. But Lindsay will present a player that can beat them in a variety of ways.
