The Chargers will look to capture their first win of the season this Sunday.
Los Angeles will host their division rivals, the Broncos, in Week 5. The Chargers have had a brutal start to the season, but this matchup offers a golden opportunity to turn things around.
A lot will need to go the Chargers' way, including playing cleaner football. Through the first four weeks, that’s been a tall task.
However, a new week is upon us. Here are the five players to watch in Week 5.
Justin Herbert
Herbert, Herbert, Herbert. The Chargers quarterback will remain on this list until he shows us he is the player we saw in his first six seasons. Herbert threw two interceptions and lost a fumble against the Seahawks before rallying the Chargers with a much better second half. Denver's
potential absence of its top two cornerbacks gives Herbert a chance to revive himself, but he’ll need to protect the ball and take advantage of it.
Omarion Hampton
The Chargers' 'top' running back may be no more. Hampton's snap share has declined over the past few weeks, but he remained efficient in Seattle and scored his third touchdown of the season. Denver has allowed 142.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 39th in the league through four weeks. The Chargers have struggled to sustain drives, and getting Hampton involved could help take the pressure off Herbert. His workload alongside Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal will be worth watching.
Tre' Harris
Harris will get another chance to become Herbert's top target. Quentin Johnston has been ruled out of Week 5 with a chest injury and Ladd McConkey is listed as questionable with a foot issue. If McConkey plays but is limited, Harris should see a significant target share against the short-handed Denver secondary.
Khalil Mack
The veteran edge rusher has played great to start the season. Heading into Week 5, Mack has recorded a sack in three consecutive games and has 3.0 sacks through four weeks. He has also generated 15 pressures, including 10 in his last two games. Denver's offensive line will present a challenge, but if Mack can continue generating pressure against a unit doing a good job protecting Bo Nix, it could give the Chargers a much-needed defensive advantage.
Travis Burke
With Rashawn Slater on injured reserve and Joe Alt ruled out with a neck injury, rookie fourth-round pick Burke is slated to make his very first NFL start. Standing 6-foot-9 and 315 pounds, the former Memphis product played 49 snaps last week after Alt went down. He will solely focus on holding down the tackle position this week, and his ability to neutralize Denver's pass rush is one of the biggest keys to the game.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 Chargers players to watch in Week 5 vs. Broncos
