The Chargers enter Week 3 alone at the top of the AFC West standings.
The Broncos will try to topple them at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, recovering from a last-second loss to the Colts in the process.
Here are a few storylines to track during the weekend’s game.
Who steps up on the edge?
Khalil Mack was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday with an elbow injury suffered on Monday against the Raiders. Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Caleb Murphy, and Kyle Kennard are the four edge rushers available on the active roster, while recently signed Clelin Ferrell and Rashad Weaver are on the practice squad. Dupree and Murphy combined for three pressures in 54 reps after Mack went down on Monday, while Tuipulotu led the team with six pressures. Los Angeles could also elect to move Justin Eboigbe out to the edge. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has only been pressured on 24% of his dropbacks this season.
Quentin Johnston’s toughest matchup yet
Johnston has been the story of the season for the Chargers offensively, as the third-year receiver currently leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns with 150 and 3, respectively. But for as productive as Johnston has been, he’s still struggled with more physical coverage like the Raiders played in the first half, when Johnston hauled in none of his three targets. With Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss on the other side on Sunday, Johnston needs to show some development as a separator to keep the Chargers offense on track, especially if Ladd McConkey (biceps) is limited.
Run game woes
The Chargers have flipped the script in 2025, leading the league in neutral pass rate and virtually refusing to run the ball if they can help it, despite preseason expectations that an offense led by Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman with first-round pick Omarion Hampton would pound the rock. Part of the reason for that is that the Chargers’ run game has been bad to open the season: Los Angeles is 30th in rush EPA/play and has generated just 11 yards before contact in two games, also 30th. Denver has been the league’s 5th-best rush defense by EPA/play, so it’s not the best week to get that part of the offense rolling. But with a well-regarded pass defense on the other side as well, the Chargers may have to get a bit more from the ground game to keep things on schedule.
Too early award campaigns
Two games are a small sample of a game defined by its small sample sizes, but it certainly looks as though a few Chargers will be in the mix for some recognition at the end of the year if they keep their current pace. Justin Herbert is on an MVP trajectory through two weeks after strong performances in primetime against two divisional foes. Derwin James Jr., Daiyan Henley, and Tarheeb Still all look like potential All-Pros on defense as well. Tracking how those four perform – and if anyone else breaks out – will be a season-long affair that can begin in some earnest this Sunday.
Rookie watch
The Chargers have already gotten a nice start out of third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell at defensive tackle, but Week 3 would be a great time for LA to see some of their other rookies make a big impact. Hampton’s tackle-breaking ability against this strong Broncos unit would be a welcome way for the Chargers to generate some traction on the ground. With Johnston potentially locked down and McConkey potentially limited, it’s the perfect week for Tre’ Harris to find his sea legs and continue increasing his snap share. Kennard will likely be called upon to bring some juice off the edge. If LA can get an impact play or two from each of those three and have Caldwell continue his upward trajectory, signs will start pointing to the Chargers being a mature team by the time the playoffs come around.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers vs. Broncos: 5 biggest storylines ahead of Week 3 game
Reporting by Alex Katson, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
