The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for their first of two matchups this season against the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles will make the trip to the Mile High City this week as the team hopes to get 3-2 coming off their much-needed bye week.
Here are four bold predictions for the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver against the Broncos.
Justin Herbert has his Best Passing Game of 2024
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a chance to do something that he has yet to do in 2024: throw for more than 200 yards in a game.
Denver has allowed at least 225 passing yards in each of their last two games against the Raiders and on the road against the New York Jets.
In addition, opposing quarterbacks have also been able to complete at least 22 passes in each of the last three games against the Broncos. Herbert has completed as many as 17 passes, which came in the season opener against Las Vegas.
Although Herbert has been going through the injury to his ankle, he has had the time to rest and get the injury to the best that it can be. Herbert was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was a full participant on Friday.
Also read: Los Angeles Chargers: 5 Keys to Victory Against the Broncos
Bolts Running game gets back on track
One of the differences in the Chargers wins versus their losses has been the running game. J.K. Dobbins has recorded at least 130 rushing yards in the wins. However, in the two losses, Dobbins has rushing yard totals of 44 and 32 yards.
A big reason why Dobbins only had 32 rushing yards two weeks ago against the Kansas City Chiefs was due to not having both starting tackles in Rashawn Slater and rookie Joe Alt.
Alt and Slater were both limited in practice on Wednesday. On Thursday, Alt was able to practice fully while Slater remained limited.
On Friday, the team announced that Slater is questionable to play while Alt does not have an injury designation and will suit up Sunday.
Having Alt and Slater play is a big step in being able to protect Herbert and open holes for Dobbins goes a long way to producing offensively. It will primarily be Dobbins as Gus Edwards will be sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Against Kansas City, the Chargers were sacked two times in a game that did not feature Alt or Slater.
The Broncos defense ranks third in sacks at 19. In addition, the Denver defense ranks third in fewest total yards allowed and ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game at 111.4.
As long as Alt and Slater play, it is a big step forward in addition to having the momentum to run the ball.
Also read: Justin Herbert Addresses Los Angeles Chargers’ Offensive Struggles
Los Angeles Chargers will exploit Patrick Surtain, Broncos D
One of the defenders Herbert and the offense will have to watch for is Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain. Last week against the Raiders, Surtain had two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six.
Surtain and the defense have not allowed more than 20 points in four straight games.
Although some of the game’s top wide receivers have not had their top performances against Surtain, there are other ways to exploit the Broncos defense.
The easiest thing is not to throw the football in his direction. As a result, if it is Ladd McConkey or Quentin Johnston being covered by Surtain, Herbert can target the other that is not covered by Surtain.
Both Johnston and McConkey has each had good performances across the first four games of the season. McConkey and Johnston are the top two leading receivers for the Chargers. McConkey has 15 receptions on 24 targets for 176 yards and two touchdowns while Johnston has 11 receptions on 18 targets for 142 yards and three touchdowns.
Speaking of the running game, another option is to have a strong play-action pass game. Although Herbert is not 100% healthy to run, the value that Dobbins and Edwards have brought can be useful in taking down the Broncos’ defense.
A simple fake handoff to throw the ball can be the smallest of differences in the Chargers getting a crucial first down to move the chains, retain possession, and extend the drive to increase the chance to put points on the board.
Related: Broncos Claim They Already Know Los Angeles Chargers’ Game Plan
Turnover margin goes in favor of Los Angeles
Winning the turnover margin is crucial in any football game at any level. It showed last week in Denver’s 34-18 win over the Raiders. The Broncos won the turnover margin 3-0, despite not owning the time possession and total yards.
Those timely takeaways are vital in creating momentum whether it is an interception or even a fumble on defense or special teams.
The Chargers have had two weeks to prepare for this game and were able to watch last week’s Broncos game to see what they can do to get a win.
Los Angeles has seven takeaways with four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. On the flip side, the Chargers have given the ball away just two times with one interception and a fumble.
That plus-5 turnover margin is tied for third in the league with Chicago and only trails Green Bay and Buffalo, who each have turnover margins of plus-7.
Also read: Los Angeles Chargers: Troubling Injury News On Star Defender