The Denver Broncos will take on the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday in what is shaping up as a big game for both teams early in the season. The Broncos are looking to bounce back from a disappointing last-second loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week. Meanwhile, the Chargers could get to 3-0 with all three of those wins coming within the division.
That could be a tough hole for the Broncos to dig out of, even if it is only Week 3. The Chargers have looked like one of the league's best teams in the first two weeks of the season, so Sean Payton and his team need to be ready for a difficult challenge.
Here is how some of the experts see this one shaking out.
NFL Picks and predictions for Week 3: Broncos vs. Chargers
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Chargers 23, Broncos 20
"The Los Angeles Chargers will take advantage of the Broncos' sudden major defensive issues against the run to set up Justin Herbert for another clutch game to outduel a struggling Bo Nix. Jim Harbaugh scores another big win against a top coaching counterpart in the division to make L.A. the new team to beat in the AFC West."
Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Chargers 21, Broncos 18
"The Chargers are coming off a short week, and the Broncos missed an opportunity at Indianapolis. Los Angeles beat Denver in a pair of one-score games last year. Justin Herbert averaged 260.5 yards with three TDs and one interception in those two games. Los Angeles is 5-1 ATS as a home favorite under Jim Harbaugh."
Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports: Broncos 24, Chargers 23
"The Broncos have not played like a Super Bowl sleeper through two weeks, while the Chargers are now favorites to win the AFC West. I'm calling an upset here in Week 3. The reason Denver lost to Indy on Sunday (other than a random penalty on that field goal), was Jonathan Taylor running wild for 165 yards, plus another 50 and a touchdown through the air. That won't happen with the Chargers' run game."
Steven Taranto, CBS Sports: Chargers 27, Broncos 24
"This is a tough matchup to handicap given it's a divisional game between two very good teams, one of which has a quarterback in Justin Herbert that has emerged as an early season candidate for league MVP. The Broncos have had the Bolts' number historically, but the Chargers were able to turn the tables last year with a sweep of Denver, continuing Jim Harbaugh's success against Sean Payton from his time with the 49ers, where he went 3-1 against Payton's Saints, including in a classic NFC Divisional Game in 2011. Most other things equal, I'll go with Harbaugh's coaching in giving the Chargers the upper hand in what should be a tight game."
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times: Chargers 30, Broncos 24
"The Chargers are putting together complete games, and Monday was a defensive masterpiece. They have a chance to go 3-0 vs. the AFC West and still have another game in September."
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