Week 3 Quick look: Broncos at Chargers

The Chargers host the Broncos at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 1:05 p.m. PT. LA enters 2-0 behind Justin Herbert’s two-game spike (five TDs, zero picks, 560+ passing yards) and a top-10 offense profile, while Denver’s week-to-week health hinges on a banged-up skill unit and a slowing edge rotation. LA is a minor favorite by the week’s early numbers, with a clear home-field edge and a lean to offense-heavy game scripts.

Chargers notes that matter: Khalil Mack’s IR placement reshapes the edge plan, elevating the depth chart for Tuipulotu, Dupree, Murphy, and Kennard—how quickly they translate pressure will shape Herbert’s clean-pocket time. McConkey also popped up on the injury report (DNP with a biceps issue), a swing factor if he misses time; Tre Harris would inherit expanded duties alongside Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston. If Engram or Greenlaw miss time, Denver’s weapon pool could shift in a few key drives. The latest injury chatter places Week 3 lineups in a thin margin, but LA’s offensive foundational health remains solid.

Matchup flavor: Herbert has thrived by pressing verticals with Johnston emerging as a real break‑out threat, complementing Allen’s steady floor. Denver counterpunches with Bo Nix and a chemistry-driven pass game, but their Week 2 woes (and Engram/Greenlaw questions) stress the offense’s ceiling in a high-variance divisional affair. Denver’s week-to-week health and Denver’s pass rush tempo will determine whether Johnston can sustain the big-play upside or if Allen and Johnston share the top targets more evenly. LA’s defense has to corral a run-first Denver approach and keep the pocket intact for Herbert to drive late halves. LACI cannot wait to watch the Chargers go deep on Broncos and light up the scoreboard!

Fantasy/DFS take in brief: Johnston’s trajectory continues to boost the Chargers’ ceiling if McConkey is limited; Allen remains a safe high-floor piece, with Herbert’s turnover-free start amplifying upside. If McConkey sits or is limited, Tre Harris becomes a streaming consideration, and the run game remains supplementary until the OL stabilizes and the Broncos’ edge pressure trends mature. On the other side, Denver’s injury uncertainties keep several pass-catching options in flux, but Nix–Franklin connections could post a path to points if Belichick-esque game plans surface in a corrective week. Chargers’ -180 moneyline suggests they’re the value side in a game expected to tilt toward efficient offense and controlled defense.

Bottom line: this looks like a well measured, Herbert‑driven shootout potential with a touch of the Chargers D cleaning up. Denver has to try to survive the Chargers edge rotation and try to capitalize on any secondary miscommunication. The Chargers ability to sustain drive tempo, ball control and protecting Herbert will determine whether the Chargers push to 3-0 and reinforce the 2025 AFC West narrative. Bolt up! Can you say 3-0?

Broncos injury report: TE Evan Engram (back) out Sunday at Chargershttps://t.co/sDnVqOha9W pic.twitter.com/td0inpQg0P

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 19, 2025

full #DENvsLAC game status pic.twitter.com/jyL0yGNdj3

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 19, 2025