The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Chargers in Inglewood, Calif.

Paul Klee’s pick: Chargers 26, Broncos 16

Here’s the optimistic truth: the Chargers, who have fallen in love with Justin Herbert and the passing game, should be a good matchup for the Broncos and their ballyhooed pass rush. Denver has the NFL’s 11th-most expensive defense, after all. But Herbert looks to me like a real-deal MVP candidate.

Overall: 1-1

---

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 21, Chargers 20

It’s not quite a must-win game for Denver this early in the season, but it is pretty close. The Broncos can’t fall two games behind the Chargers and think they have a chance at the division. J.K. Dobbins rushes for two touchdowns against his former team, and Denver keeps the ball away from Justin Herbert.

Overall record: 1-1

---

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Chargers 26, Broncos 23

The Broncos are coming off a screw-up on special teams that cost them a game at Indianapolis, and last year at SoFi Stadium, a blunder led to Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker making a 59-yard free kick at the end of the first half that proved important in a 34-27 win. So, probably something weird on special teams will cost Denver this game.

Overall record: 1-1

---

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Chargers 26, Broncos 24

The best reason to believe Denver can pull an upset? The Chargers have the worst fan base and the least intimidating home-field advantage in the NFL. The worst way to make a case for a Broncos’ victory? Think Bo Nix is in any way, shape, or form the equal to Justin Herbert as a quarterback.

Overall record: 2-0

---

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Chargers 21, Broncos 20

It’s hard to figure out the true identity of this Broncos team after two games. Their defense dominated in Week 1. Denver’s offense took over in Week 2. But I’m not convinced that either side of the ball is superior to the AFC West- leading Chargers. The Broncos endure another close heartbreaker in consecutive games.

Overall record: 1-1