Five key matchups: Chargers vs. Broncos
A look at a few of the matchups that could decide Sunday's rematch between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. (Photos by AP)
In 10 career games against the San Diego Chargers, Von Miller has racked up 11 sacks, including three in the two contests the Broncos played against the Chargers last season. Miller is off to a torrid start to the 2016 season with 6.5 sacks through the first five weeks of the season as he continues a six-game sack streak. Philip Rivers, one of the league's best quarterbacks, is capable of tearing up a defense if given the time. Miller will do his best to make sure Rivers doesn't get that luxury.
Chris Harris Jr. got the best of Travis Benjamin in the first matchup between the two teams as he held the Chargers WR to just three receptions for 17 yards. The Broncos will need to crack down on the tight ends a bit more in this contest, but it remains incredibly important for the cornerbacks to continue to limit the threats on the outside. If Harris and the rest of the Broncos secondary can hold the Chargers' receiving threats to the same type of output, Denver should find itself in position to pull out a home win.
Trevor Siemian and the offense will look to maintain more balance as an offense in this matchup against the Chargers. In the first meeting, Siemian completed 30 of his 50 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown. The Broncos will need to start faster, however, as they managed just 60 yards of offense in the first half. He'll again need to beware of fifth-year player Melvin Ingram. The Chargers' linebacker is following up a 10.5-sack season with a strong start to 2016. He racked up six tackles against the Broncos two weeks ago and tacked on a sack against Atlanta last week. His matchup with Siemian could prove paramount in the Broncos' quest to flip the script.
With Donald Stephenson back on the line, the running game got back on track against the Texans as C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker combined for 190 yards. But Stephenson's ability to stop the pass rush will be just as important. Rookie Joey Bosa didn't pick up any sacks against the Broncos in Week 6, but he grabbed two against the Falcons and now has four in two weeks. After an offseason of drama for the young player, he looked strong in his first action of the year. In fact, he looked like everything the Chargers could've wanted when they spent the high draft pick on him. Stephenson will have his hands full as he attempts to slow the dynamic pass rusher.
After a disappointing rookie season without scoring a single touchdown, Gordon has rebounded with 10 touchdowns to lead the NFL through the opening 7 games. With a healthier offensive line and more experience under his belt, Gordon has become a veritable weapon for the Chargers. The Broncos will continue to watch Gordon as a threat out of the backfield, and if Brandon Marshall misses Sunday's game, Todd Davis must step up alongside Corey Nelson.
