The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. 

Offense 

The Broncos lost 29-28 last Sunday at Indianapolis but at least the offense was better than in a 20-12 win over lowly Tennessee in the opener the previous Sunday. Quarterback Bo Nix, after having three turnovers against the Titans, threw an interception against the Colts but was 22 of 30 for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Running back J.K. Dobbins was solid against the Colts, carrying 14 times for 76 yards and a touchdown. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph calls Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert “probably the MVP” so far this season. He has thrown for 560 yards and five touchdowns while spreading the ball around to Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, and Ladd McConkey. But the running game has been shaky, with rookie Omarion Hampton and veteran Najee Harris, having just 72 and 33 yards, respectively. 

Advantage: Chargers 

Defense 

Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said the Broncos (1-1) have “the best defense in the league when we’re on our stuff.” At least they figure to be motivated to have the right stuff against the Chargers (2-0) in the battle for the AFC West lead. The Broncos, who had six sacks against the Titans, had just one against the Colts. With Cooper and fellow outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, they seek to put plenty of pressure on Herbert. The Chargers got off to a good start on defense in their wins of 27-21 over Kansas City and 20-9 at Las Vegas. They will be without star linebacker Khalil Mack, who was placed on injured reserve after hurting his elbow. But linebacker Daiyan Henley has two sacks, and safety Derwin James is their leader in the secondary. 

Advantage: Broncos 

Coaching 

Denver’s Sean Payton took the blame for a block call he made when Spencer Shrader attempted a 60-yard field goal in the waning seconds last Sunday. Shrader missed it, but outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman was called for a 15-yard leverage penalty, and Shrader then won the game with a 45-yarder. Payton led New Orleans to a Super Bowl in the 2009 season, but he is just 1-4 in games against Jim Harbaugh. Payton went 1-2 against him when he was with the Saints and Harbaugh with the 49ers, and he went 0-2 against Harbaugh and the Chargers last season. Harbaugh has continued to energize the Chargers in his second season on the job, and the win over the Chiefs in Brazil to start the season was a big one. 

Advantage: Chargers 

Intangibles 

There will be a lot of orange in the stands Sunday, making it almost like a home game for the Broncos. Dobbins, who played for the Chargers last season, will be fired up facing his former team. The Chargers are coming off a road game against the Raiders on Monday night, giving the Broncos some additional rest. Denver has been resilient under Payton in bouncing back from difficult losses. Harbaugh looks even more comfortable in his second season on the job just as Payton was better adjusted in 2023, his second season with Denver. The Broncos get back tight end Nate Adkins after he missed the first two games following ankle surgery. But starting tight end Evan Engram is out with a back injury, making that an overall weakened position for Denver. 

Advantage: Broncos