Live updates, highlights from the NFL Game of the Week 6

Stay here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Live updates

First Quarter Updates

Medical tents (2:16 p.m.): So PS2 and Harbaugh reportedly went to their respective medical tents and locker rooms at the same time. This is my fourth decade in the NFL press box. I have never seen something like this happen AT THE SAME TIME. – Keeler

Injury update (2:14 p.m.): Surtain is officially in the concussion protocol, according to the announcement on the press box. – Keeler

Difficult start (2:13 p.m.): I can’t imagine a worse start for the Broncos. First Nix’s pass was deflected and then Pat Surtain II was injured on the Chargers’ first offensive snap. Yikes. – Schubert

Harbaugh leaves the field (2:12 p.m.): Coach Harbaugh left the field and went to the locker room. I’m not sure why. – Renck

PSII slowly gets up (2:11 p.m.): Pat Surtain II jogs away under his own power. His right arm became trapped under the Charger player’s body. He also hit his head on the grass. – Renck

Selected (2:08 p.m.): Just a really bad pass from Bo Nix in the third period. Interception and now the Chargers start their first offensive drive in Denver territory. – Schubert

Coin toss (2:05 p.m.): The Chargers won the toss and the deferment. The Broncos will start the game on offense. – McFadden

Pre-game updates

Football weather (1:58 p.m.): Postcard perfect day for football. 65 degrees with 7 mph wind. I’m expected to stay at this temperature throughout the game. – Renck

Bosa injury (12:39 p.m.): Edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is among the Chargers’ notable inactive players. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday before participating in a limited capacity on Friday and being listed as questionable. – McFadden

Broncos inactive (12:36 p.m.):

QB Zach Wilson (3rd QB)
OL Alex Palczewski
S JL Skinner
S Keidron Smith
CB Kris Abrams-Draine
TE Greg Dulcich
RB Blake Watson

RB Audric Estime and WR Devaughn Vele are active. DL Eni Uwazurike is there for the first time this year.

Extra size for running-heavy LA. – Gabriel

Scouting report (10:30 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos stack up against the Raiders in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Match predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Chargers 17

When you put these rosters together and this game, it feels like a win for Los Angeles. Jim Harbaugh has already done a good job with the Bolts and that should pay off for Justin Herbert over time. They say goodbye. They could get their first tackles back. They are more focused on actually running the football. They’re popular on the streets for a reason. But sometimes you just ride the wave. The Broncos’ defense appears capable of surviving the run of a big breaker for a while. At some point this team’s offense has to win a game. It would certainly be interesting if Denver got to 4-2.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 13, Chargers 10

This game won’t be pretty. We won’t get a matchup like the Broncos-Jets, but expect a low-scoring contest dictated by the run game. As long as Nix keeps from turning the ball over like he has done the last three weeks, Denver should be able to pull out a win. It’s hard to bet against Denver’s defense right now.

Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 17, Chargers 15

Everything is suddenly in front of the Broncos. They have won three straight and have victories in their first two AFC West games for the first time since 2017. No team achieves its goals without playing well in the division. The Broncos understand this game doesn’t have the juice of the Raiders, but it’s just as important. Given the excellent performance of both defenses, the setup looks like a dirty cage game with your hand in the ground. In the end, a Justin Herbert interception by Denver’s secondary – I’m betting on Riley Moss – will lead to a game-winning field goal.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 16, Chargers 13

Justin Herbert plays with a brace. Bo Nix plays with a swagger. There was a lot of talk about Joey Bosa against a struggling Broncos offensive line, but even with career Broncos killer Maxx Crosby (two sacks) on his face, Nix still moved the sticks with his legs when he had to, including an 11- Yard run for a first down to take the wind out of the sails of some silver and black Pirates. Bo is growing. And shines. Again.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 6: Must Read

For the Broncos to beat the Chargers on Sunday, turning around early offensive struggles in the red zone will be crucial

Good-versus-good duels are must-see television in the NFL.

Good-bad matches often decide the outcome of games.

If the Broncos want to extend their winning streak to four games with a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, they will likely need to pick up a win or two in an area where they are big underdogs: the offensive red zone.

Denver ranks 27th in the NFL with a red zone touchdown rate of 43.8% after five weeks, although they have seen a slight uptick of late. With a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix, that might not be a big surprise. Life comes at you quickly in professional football and even quicker when things get tight on the field, reports Parker Gabriel. Read the full story.

Broncos are preparing for the “old school” duel against the run-heavy Chargers: “They are a physical, strong team”

For those interested in high-octane offenses and explosive plays, Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Chargers may not suit your needs.

Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Los Angeles has adopted a physical, run-heavy offense, and Denver’s defense must adapt to that style of play.

This season, Los Angeles experienced one of the most consistent rushing attacks in football. According to Next Gen Stats, the Chargers rank ninth in rushing yards per game (127.8) and second in run rate (53%). Similar to Roman’s time as offensive coordinator in Baltimore, he uses a two-running back system with former Ravens JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, reports Ryan McFadden. Read the full story.

Renck: Sean Payton or Jim Harbaugh? Payton wasn’t the Broncos’ first choice, but he was the right choice.

There were no tears for a clown when Broncos owner Greg Penner fired Nathaniel Hackett in 2022. After an atrocious 15-game performance marked by a lack of player discipline and sideline fights, Penner identified the traits most important in taking off the floppy shoes and the red nose from the organization’s coaching office.

“We need a strong leader who is focused on winning. It starts with culture,” he said. “It’s about instilling a sense of responsibility and discipline and we need an identity on offense. But at the beginning it has to be about culture and leadership.”

Penner might as well have read Jim Harbaugh’s credentials on Indeed.

As Sean Payton’s Broncos prepare to host Harbaugh’s Chargers on Sunday, it’s a debate worth revisiting, writes Troy Renck. Read the full column.

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Originally published: October 13, 2024 at 10:38 am