Story update: The Chargers have announced they will not rest their starters for Sunday’s game against the Broncos. See our original post below.
The Denver Broncos (4-12) are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) in their season finale on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Empower Field at Mile High. Check out our preview for the AFC West showdown below.
Chargers’ keys to victory: It remains to be seen how the Chargers will handle their starters in a regular-season finale that does not have a playoff berth on the line. If L.A. decides to rest QB Justin Herbert, backup QB Chase Daniel will be tasked with protecting the ball against a play-making Denver defense that limited Herbert to no touchdowns and one interception in Week 6. On defense, the Chargers will likely focus on a Broncos rushing attack that features three capable RBs who helped the team rush for 117 yards last week.
Broncos’ keys to victory: This year has been a season to forget for QB Russell Wilson, who has a career-low 13 touchdown passes in 14 games this season. He would need to score a record seven TDs against the Chargers just to match his previous single-season career-low of 20 in 2014. If Denver is going to beat L.A. (and have any hope of better days ahead), Wilson will need to finish the 2022-23 season on a strong note. On defense, the Broncos’ pass rushers will look to generate pressure and force the Chargers into mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Chargers CB Bryce Callahan vs. Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy. Going up against his former team for the second time this season, Callahan will be tasked with covering Jeudy when the receiver lines up in the slot in Week 18. Jeudy, who caught three passes for 54 yards against L.A. earlier this year, has been Denver’s best WR this season.
Who wins? The Chargers have already clinched a playoff spot and their potential seeding for a first-round matchup probably isn’t a big concern this week. Denver has nothing to play for except pride, but with their regular starters in the lineup, the Broncos could pull off a win at home. Broncos 20, Chargers 17.
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