The Denver Broncos had their chances to beat the San Francisco 49ers last week, but a combination of questionable calls by the officials and the strong momentum swing of that questionable fumble call it didn’t happen. Even so, the offense looked rough again and Sean Payton has retaken the playcalling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
This is a game they should win. The Los Angeles Chargers are the walking wounded heading into Week 5 and have started the season 0-4. Their season is hanging
in the balance and there should be some desperation from them in this game. With the AFC West having strong starts with the other two teams, the Broncos can ill afford to lose this game.
Game Overview
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2:05 P.M. Mile High time
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California
ATS Betting Lines: Denver -3.5
Moneyline Odds: Denver -186 / Los Angeles +156
Over/Under: 42.5
Note: All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Broncos Country, ride with us on the SB Nation app!
Follow the action and experience every game alongside a community of passionate Broncos fans.
- Join the live game-day conversation
- Enjoy fewer ads
- Easily jump between communities
- Comment and post faster
Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.
Collectively, our Mile High Report staff is predicting a narrow Broncos 29-16 victory on the road over the Chargers. Here’s how we predicted the outcome individually:
Broncos 24, Chargers 20
The Broncos should obliterate the Chargers this weekend. They are down nearly every starter on the offensive line and are missing guys all up and down that roster heading into this game. There is no reason why they shouldn’t feast on Justin Herbert’s dropbacks. Which means this game is going to be way too close for comfort and we’re going to have anxiety all the way down to the final minutes of the game where I still think Denver comes out with the win — if barely. – Tim Lynch
Broncos 27, Chargers 13
Chargers are 0-4, their OL is banged up, and the Harbaugh and McDaniels partnership needs Dr. Phil. The Broncos will use this as a get right game and their pass rush will come alive against a struggling and banged up OL – Scotty Payne
Broncos 33, Chargers 12
The Broncos need to have a game where they put together a good offensive game plan. They need a game where the defense gets to the QB. They need to have a game against a bad offense and a struggling defense. Do you see that sparkly thing just coming into view? Yup, the Chargers are Chargering and just might be what the Broncos need. – Adam Malnati
Broncos 34, Chargers 17
Look, Broncos Country. This is our extra home game. The Chargers are in shambles. Herbert < Nix. It is time for the Broncos to show up and establish dominance. – Sadaraine
Broncos 27, Chargers 17
The Broncos have yet to play a complete game where all three phases performed well through four weeks. I’m hoping that can change this Sunday against the Chargers. The offense needs to finally show signs of life. The defense needs to ramp up their pass rush and rattle Justin Herbert. Last but not least, special teams needs to help win the field position battle and execute better. I’m optimistic they can do that and earn their third victory of the season. – Chris Hart
Broncos 27, Chargers 16
Nix and the Broncos offense will look better in a pseudo home game on Sunday. They’ll run the ball and utilize Waddle better. Hopefully some passes over the middle of the field? The defense will control the line of scrimmage and harass Herbert the whole game while forcing him into a few turnovers. All leading to a Broncos victory on Sunday. – Ian St. Clair
