The Denver Broncos (2-2) will be looking to get back on the winning track on Sunday when they face their old divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers (0-4).
The Broncos
will be facing a team desperate for its first win, but they can't afford to lose this one and it seems that they know it. Earlier in the week, the Broncos made the switch back to head coach Sean Payton as the playcaller, taking those duties away from offensive coordinator Davis Webb.That puts the team in a pressure-packed situation, needing to perform much better on offense. That starts with quarterback Bo Nix, who has not had a great start to the season. But several other players will be worth watching because of their individual matchups, and these three could decide the outcome
on Sunday.
Key matchups for Broncos vs. Chargers in Week 5
Broncos edge rushers vs. Chargers offensive tackles
The Broncos absolutely must take advantage of the fact that both of the Chargers' starting left tackles — Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt — will be out with injury. The Broncos have registered only eight sacks this season and just two of those have come from the edge rusher position.
The Broncos seem to be missing Jonathon Cooper in a big way, but Nik Bonitto and either Jonah Elliss or Que Robinson need to be massive factors in this game. Not only will the Chargers be without each of their starters, but there is a good chance that they will each be replaced by a rookies, Travis Burke and Logan Taylor.
Bonitto is too good a player to be silenced in this situation, so he needs to make his presence felt on Justin Herbert Sunday. The Broncos need to force multiple sacks and harass Herbert constantly in this game.
Ja'Quan McMillian vs. Ladd McConkey
The Broncos will be without both Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss in this game, forcing Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine into starting roles. Though both Barron and Abrams-Draine will be players to keep a close eye on in this game against Chargers receivers Quentin Johnston and Tre Harris, the place where the Chargers could look to inflict the most damage could be with Ladd McConkey in the slot.
Friday's #DENvsLAC injury report:
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Ja'Quan McMillian will have his hands full in that matchup and will need to slow him down. McConkey will also bring a questionable injury designation into this game due to a foot injury, and it would be a huge boost for the Broncos if he is unable to go.
Broncos inside linebackers vs. Oronde Gadsden II
Despite both of the starting cornerbacks being out for the Broncos, the Chargers won't be a huge threat to throw the ball to the outside, even with Herbert, particularly if the Broncos can force a lot of pressure. Look for Herbert to instead use the middle of the field to throw quick passes to McConkey or his tight end, Oronde Gadsden II.
Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad will have to stick with Gadsden in coverage and that has been an issue for this team. The Chargers could look to use Gadsden more as a weapon to draw coverage off from others. If the Broncos have to use safety help to defend Gadsden, it could open up some one-on-one opportunities for Herbert down the field.
This is where a game-changing play or two could happen in the Chargers' favor.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 3 matchups to watch when Broncos face Chargers in Week 5
