The Denver Broncos head west for their first divisional road test of the season, looking to rebound from a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Colts. Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers carries early AFC West weight, with Denver aiming to prove it can clean up mistakes and execute late in games.

Bounce-Back Mentality

Denver enters 1-1 after falling 29-28 at Indianapolis, where a controversial penalty on a 60-yard field goal attempt sealed their fate. Head coach Sean Payton shouldered responsibility, calling it “a coaching mistake” and stressing that the first four weeks are a race to correct self-inflicted wounds.

Bo Nix’s Development

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has shown promise through two starts — efficient early, but still chasing rhythm late. He threw four touchdowns in the first six drives against the Colts before penalties and miscues disrupted the offense. Payton emphasized that it’s not about perfection but about Nix meeting his own standard.

This week provides another test against a Chargers defense missing star pass rusher Khalil Mack but still boasting one of the league’s more disciplined secondaries.

Defensive Concerns

The Broncos surrendered 9.8 yards per first down in Indianapolis. Missed coverages, open backs in the flat, and slow linebacker play have kept them from setting the tone. Denver has yet to force a three-and-out on an opponent’s opening drive this season.

Payton singled out the need for sharper fire-zone execution and more discipline in run fits.

Injury Outlook

• Talanoa Hufanga — Full participant, should stabilize the safety group.
• Drew Greenlaw — Still out, leaving the linebacker corps thin.
• Justin Strnad — Limited, could rotate in.
• Evan Engram — Still sidelined, leaving Nix without his veteran tight end.

That means Denver’s front seven — led by Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen— must absorb the extra load while depth recovers.

Keys for Denver

• Clean Starts & Finishes: Early defensive lapses and late-game penalties are defining the season. That has to flip.
• Bonitto’s Breakout: Bonitto leads the league in pass-rush win rate. With Mack out for L.A., Denver’s edge rushers have a chance to steal momentum.
• Establish a Ground Game: Payton has stressed balance — Denver needs J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey to keep the offense on schedule.
• Red Zone Efficiency: They’ve started hot, but late drives have fizzled. Touchdowns instead of field goals are the mandate.

What’s at Stake

A division loss would drop Denver to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in tight finishes, further clouding their playoff hopes. A road upset would even them at 2-1, proving they can respond to adversity while tightening the AFC West race.

The Chargers enter 2-0 and already own an early divisional edge.