The Denver Broncos are coming off one of the best and most fun wins in a long time.
Now the Broncos (3-2) look to build on that in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) this Sunday in Denver. Justin Herbert and the Chargers are coming off their bye.
Insight for Denver is a four-game winning streak, plus a 2-0 record in the AFC West. And while it may be too early to talk playoffs, Sunday's game could go a long way for both teams in their hopes of qualifying.
LA Chargers: Twenty-ninth in total offense (263.8 yards per game), ninth in rushing offense (127.8 YPG), 31st in passing offense (136.0 YPG), 28th in scoring (17.0 points per game).
Denver: Twenty-eighth in total offense (270.6 yards per game), 21st in rushing offense (106.8 YPG), 28th in passing offense (163.8 YPG), tied for 22nd in scoring (19.2 points per game).
LA Chargers: Fifth in total defense (282.5 yards per game), sixth in rushing defense (94.0 YPG), 10th in passing defense (188.5 YPG), first in scoring (12.5 points per game).
Denver: Third in total defense (271.2 yards per game), 10th in rushing defense (111.4 YPG), fifth in passing defense (159.8 YPG), tied for second in scoring (14.6 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff's keys to Sunday's game.
We've seen those aggressive flashes from Bo Nix and the Broncos offense. There was the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 and the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders, where in both instances, the offense was humming. Build on both of those showings this Sunday. You know the defense will show up and show out. Now Sean Payton needs to mimic the aggressive game plan from the Bucs game and the second half of the Raiders game. Take it to the Chargers defense from the opening drive, and don't let up. -- Ian St. Clair
The Broncos need to leverage their defense's ability to force turnovers, as highlighted by their performance in previous games. Creating opportunities through interceptions or fumbles will change field position and disrupt the Chargers' offensive rhythm. Keep the pressure on the QB with the DL, and stop the run no matter what! We cannot be in the same position as the 1st qtr vs the Raiders. -- Ivan Talavera
Javonte Williams seems to be finding his legs. If he can keep that momentum, and Jaleel McLaughlin can continue to be effective in his role, the Broncos offense opens up for Bo Nix to look downfield for big gains. -- Adam Malnati
Mike McGlinchey is on IR for a while longer. Alex Palczewski has been a revelation in his absence, but he's now dealing with a high ankle sprain. Garett Bolles is dinged up as well, and Luke Wattenburg got added to the list late in the Raiders game. Undrafted rookie Frank Crum, who was a surprise to even make the initial 53, ended up playing last Sunday. If you factor in Quinn Bailey, Crum was originally the Broncos' OT5 before the season- yet it's not impossible that he'll see the field again this week. When you consider that the Chargers have both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack? The Broncos need sore starters and backups across the OL to play some damn good football this Sunday, and they'll need Nix to do his part in keeping his jersey clean too. -- Taylor Kothe
This game projects as a relatively low-scoring affair with a betting total of 35.5. If it's tough to move the ball for stretches, special teams are imperative to gain field position. And with points at a premium, the Broncos need Lutz to come through when the opportunity presents itself. -- Jonathan Rice
Force turnovers, and don't give the ball away
Denver did a tremendous job against the Raiders, capitalizing off several interceptions to catapult them to victory. The Chargers have one of the best turnover differentials in the NFL at +5 for the season. They have generated 7 turnovers but only have given the ball away twice. Considering the Chargers defense has allowed the least amount of points and the fifth least yardage, the Broncos are going to have to win the turnover battle and find ways to score off them like they did last week. It's my biggest key to the game. -- Christopher Hart