The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Sunday’s game between Broncos (13-3) and Chargers (11-5) at Empower Field at Mile High.

Offense

The Broncos are No. 9 in the NFL in total offense, with the chance of finishing in the top 10 for the first time since being No. 4 in 2014. But it hasn’t been easy. Quarterback Bo Nix has been mostly solid but does have three turnovers in the past two games with two interceptions and a lost fumble. Running back RJ Harvey has scored a touchdown in each of the last five games and has a team-high 12 but is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. The Chargers, assured of a playoff berth but knowing they will open on the road, will rest star quarterback Justin Herbert and some other starters. Herbert will be replaced by Trey Lance, who continues to try to shed the bust rap after San Francisco took him No. 3 in the 2021 draft. It remains to be seen who will carry the ball for the Chargers, with Omarion Hampton out and Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins questionable.

Advantage: Broncos

Defense

The AFC champion Broncos have a team record 64 sacks. They aren’t likely to break Chicago’s 1984 NFL record of 72 but it is impressive that 17 different players have sack stats. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper lead the way with 12.5 and 8.0 sacks, respectively. Star cornerback Pat Surtain II is continuing to find his groove after having missed three games in October and November with a torn pec. The Broncos are No. 3 in the NFL in total defense and seeking their highest finish since they No. 3 in 2017. The Chargers are likely to rest star pass rusher Khalil Mack. But perhaps outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, who has 13 sacks and is the cousin of Denver safety Talanoa Hufanga, will play. The Chargers have 19 interceptions, including four apiece by cornerback Donte Jackson and safety Tony Jackson.

Advantage: Broncos

Coaching

Denver’s Sean Payton is just 1-5 in the NFL against Jim Harbaugh, including 0-3 since he joined the Chargers in 2024. But at least Payton will use his starting quarterback as the Broncos need a win to lock up the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC. Payton has won 13 games for the fifth time in his 18 NFL seasons. He can set a career high with his 14^th win, although his first four came in 16-game seasons. While Payton won a Super Bowl with New Orleans in the 2009 season, Harbaugh, then with the 49ers, lost to Baltimore and his brother John in the Super Bowl three years later. Harbaugh did lead Michigan to a national title in 2023 before bolting to the Chargers. He has led the Chargers to consecutive seasons of 10 or more wins for the first time since 2006-07. Payton, though, has an advantage in having Vance Joseph as his defensive coordinator.

Advantage: Broncos

Intangibles

The Broncos have plenty more to play for than the Chargers. A win would give them a playoff bye and two potential home games before Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif. The Chargers, currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC, could move as high as No. 5 and could drop to No. 7. But they don’t seem too concerned about where they will finish. Payton has been calling for fans to be very loud Sunday but he probably won’t mind if the Broncos take a big lead and they tone down considerably. If the game gets out of hand, Payton might have Nix throw plenty to tight end Adam Trautman, who has 20 catches and would get a $125,000 incentive if he reaches 25. Even though the Chargers will be resting some starters, the Broncos won’t mind getting revenge for a 23-20 road loss to them Sept. 21.

Advantage: Broncos