The Chargers continue to search for their first win, but the vibes in Denver have only been slightly better as the Broncos are 2-2 and facing an offensive play-caller change heading into Sunday's game.
Here are a few reasons to be optimistic about LA getting their first win.
Defense vs. struggling offense
The film from Denver's loss to San Francisco showed that Broncos quarterback Bo Nix turned down a handful of open throws over the middle of the field and instead checked the ball down quickly, sometimes before Denver's receiver even broke inside on a dig route. The disconnect in Denver's offense has been a major talking point with offensive coordinator Davis Webb taking over playcalling duties this offseason, but head coach Sean Payton said Thursday he plans to retake those
responsibilities in an effort to streamline the communication offensively. The Chargers, meanwhile, have been a top-10 offense by EPA/play allowed this season despite the team's struggles and could capitalize on an offense in flux to come away with a win.
Missing contributors
Denver looks like they will be without cornerbacks Pat Surtain II (ankle) and Riley Moss (ribs) on Sunday, leaving the Broncos with 2025 first-rounder Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine, and nickel Ja'Quan McMillian the remaining options at the position. The Broncos also have undrafted rookie Brent Austin and former UFL corner Sean Fresch Jr., who is primarily a return specialist, on the practice squad. That should help Los Angeles find a rhythm as a passing offense. On offense, Denver will likely be without wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle), who has been the Broncos' best explosive play threat and is second on the team with 133 receiving yards, so LA should be able to focus even more on the underneath options and try to prevent the Broncos from sustaining long drives.
Slow start for star EDGE
Broncos EDGE Nik Bonitto has not performed up to the level of his 2025 play to start this season, with only 12 pressures (tied for 30th-most in the NFL after finishing tied for 12th-most last year) despite his win-rate numbers from PFF looking largely the same. With defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers off to the Titans and edge rusher Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner's exempt list, opposing offenses have been able to focus more energy on keeping Bonitto in check. LA should be able to do the same, even if Rashawn Slater (ankle) and Joe Alt (neck) have to miss Sunday's game.
Run defense
Denver has been the fourth-worst run game in the league by yards per game (81.2) this season, but Los Angeles has been a stout run defense all year and is currently 13th in EPA/rush allowed. Defensive tackles Teair Tart and Jamaree Caldwell and edge rushers Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu have been strong defenders on the ground, but the Chargers have also gotten a few splash plays from safety Tony Jefferson coming from depth. If they can keep Denver from piling up successful runs and force them behind the chains, LA's ability to rally to the ball underneath should make it a long afternoon for the Broncos' offense.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 reasons for optimism for Chargers against the Broncos in Week 5
