(Photo: Broncos Wire-USA Today)
AFC Game Of The Week
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
Broncos (1–1):
They did everything right to win that game in Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon — until they didn’t. I thought their offense looked much better than it did in the Week 1 win against the Tennessee Titans. They moved the chains more consistently, and when they got into the red zone, they came away with points. My biggest takeaway? Bo Nix looked much more composed. When he’s in control and not forcing throws, he’s not a bad quarterback. Three things hurt them in that game: One, Jonathan Taylor ran circles around their defense — but there’s no shame in that; he does it to plenty of teams. Two, A missed field goal that would’ve put them up by five points and three, a costly penalty that gave the Colts new life — and ultimately cost Denver the game by one point. What a game that was at Lucas Oil Stadium. Watching it, I was reminded of the Broncos’ Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills back in January — dominated up front and unable to stop the run, just like this one. On the bright side, their ground game has looked strong, consistently picking up chunk yardage in the first two weeks. If Denver can just be a little more consistent on both sides of the ball, people would take them more seriously. They’ll look to bounce back this Sunday in their first divisional matchup of the season.
Chargers (2–0):
I’ve loved everything I’ve seen from them through the first two games. It’s still early, but this team already looks far more polished than it did last season. For years, I’ve compared how the Chargers use Justin Herbert to how the Bills used to rely on Josh Allen — expecting him to do everything. He had to be the leading passer and rusher, which led to pressing… and pressing leads to turnovers. In that Week 1 win against the Chiefs, Herbert played with total control — not too much, not too little — just enough. He did the same thing on Monday night against the Raiders. What’s also stood out to me is the defense. They contained Patrick Mahomes in Week 1 and forced three Geno Smith turnovers in Week 2. This looks like a complete team on both sides of the ball. Credit to Jim Harbaugh — he’s energized this group and brought a new level of confidence. This is the best I’ve seen them look since 2009, when Norv Turner was coaching and Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates were leading the charge, pun intended. The Chargers will now aim for their first 3–0 start since 2002.
Broncos X-Factor: Nik Bonitto
There are plenty of playmakers on this Broncos defense — and Bonitto is one of them. He currently leads the NFL in pass rush win rate, a key stat against a Chargers offensive line that’s done a good job protecting Justin Herbert. Getting to the quarterback isn’t always about sacks. It’s about pressure — forcing hesitation, disrupting timing, and creating mistakes. If Nik can consistently win his matchups on Sunday, he could make life difficult for the Chargers’ passing attack.
Chargers X-Factor: Derwin James
You know my rule: You better have game if you have two first names! Derwin James certainly does. I’ve followed him since his days at Florida State, and he’s made a seamless transition to the NFL. An All-Pro safety with size, speed, and versatility, Derwin can disrupt both the run and the pass. He covers a lot of ground, can lay the boom when needed, and quarterbacks have to think twice before testing him. He’s a tone-setter — the kind of player who can end drives or create turnovers with one big play.
Final Thoughts:
It’s a big-time AFC West showdown — and it doesn’t even involve the Chiefs. The Broncos are coming off a heartbreaking loss in Indy, while the Chargers took care of business in Vegas. Denver needs to win the pass rush battle — it starts with Bonitto and the edge rushers pressuring Herbert. He’s just too effective when he has a clean pocket. Offensively, they must protect the football, as this LA defense thrives on turnovers. Ball security in the run game will also be crucial. Lastly, controlling the clock — a steady dose of J.K. Dobbins — will help keep Herbert on the sidelines. As for the Chargers, it all starts with keeping Herbert clean. Denver’s biggest defensive weapon is the pass rush. I’d use a lot of quick passing to neutralize that, then look to attack Denver’s secondary — especially if Herbert has time. I expect them to test the Broncos deep early. A balanced rushing attack is also key, as Denver will focus heavily on Herbert. Sustained drives will wear down the Broncos’ front and open up play-action opportunities. This should be a close one — as most divisional games tend to be. But I’m picking the Chargers to come out on top and move to 3–0.
