The Chargers look to pick up their first win of the season as they face the Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
Here are five key storylines ahead of the Week 5 matchup.
Overcoming a disastrous start
The Chargers are one of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 season. Despite massive expectations, they are 0-4 for the first time since 2017. The team has struggled with penalties, turnovers, and a lack of complementary football. If they can't pick up a win against the Broncos, the pressure on head coach Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff will reach a boiling point, and key players will likely be up for sale ahead of the trade deadline next month.
Dealing with a depleted offensive line
Left tackle Rashawn Slater is out for 4 to 6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Compounding that, right tackle Joe Alt is expected to miss
Sunday's game with a neck injury. With guards Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III out with their respective injuries and Trevor Penning in concussion protocol, the Chargers finished last week's game with four rookies on the line (Logan Taylor, Jake Slaughter, Jacob Spomer and Travis Burke). Los Angeles could be getting Branson Taylor back. Taylor, who was a summer standout, missed the first four games after being on injured reserve. The Chargers also signed veteran Daniel Brunskill to the practice squad. Either way, this group, which has already allowed 12 sacks, must withstand Denver's pass rush that is generating a 39.2% pressure rate.
Justin Herbert’s turnover troubles
The transition to the new offense under coordinator Mike McDaniel has been far from smooth. Herbert has looked out of sync, completing just 59.7% of his passes (24th in the NFL). More alarming are the turnovers. Herbert has thrown six interceptions, tying him for second-most in the league. Facing a Broncos defense that has amassed four interceptions, Herbert must protect the ball if the offense has any hope of finding a rhythm.
Making up for no McConkey
The Chargers' pass-catching room took another hit when wide receiver Ladd McConkey reaggravated a persistent foot injury during last week's loss to the Seahawks. McConkey has missed practice this week, leaving his availability for Sunday in doubt. If he is sidelined or severely limited, an already struggling passing attack will be forced to rely on others to step up. Out of the bunch, second-year Tre' Harris has come on strong recently. Over his last two games, Harris has caught 9 of his 12 targets for 136 receiving yards, with an impressive 75% catch rate.
Defense needs to keep foot on the gas
If there is a silver lining for the Chargers, it's the defense under first-year coordinator Chris O'Leary. The unit ranks near the top 10 in defensive EPA per play. Last week, edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu had a career day, logging a forced fumble and an interception. Combine that with Khalil Mack, who has recorded a sack in three straight games, the defensive front will look to get to a struggling Bo Nix and a Broncos offense averaging just 18.5 points per game.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 Chargers storylines ahead of Week 5 game against Broncos
