Tomasson's scouting report: Broncos vs. Chargers

The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High.

Offense

Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix is coming off his best game as a pro, throwing for 206 yards with two touchdowns in last Sunday’s 34-18 win over Las Vegas. But he will be without starting right tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle), who will be replaced by Matt Peart, and center Luke Wattenberg (ankle), who will be replaced by Alex Forsyth. The Broncos want to establish the run with Javonte Williams. These aren’t the old Chargers, who threw the ball all over the place. While Justin Herbert remains a top quarterback, he is averaging just 144.5 yards passing per game. The Chargers are adept on the ground, with J.K. Dobbins having rushed for 342 yards.

Advantage: Chargers

Defense

Two top defenses will be on display. The Broncos are second in the NFL in points allowed and third in total defense. They have 19 sacks, with 15 in the past three games. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has a team-high four. The secondary has been dominant. Cornerback Pat Surtain II had two interceptions against the Raiders, returning one 100 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers lead the NFL in points allowed and are fifth in total defense. They have top pass rushers in Khalil Mack, who has 2 ½ sacks, and Joey Bosa, who has two. The Chargers have been stellar in pass defense and have four interceptions in four games.

Advantage: Broncos

Coaching

Two veteran coaches meet in Sean Payton of the Broncos and Jim Harbaugh of the Chargers. Payton has a Super Bowl ring from the 2009 season with New Orleans. Harbaugh took San Francisco to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season and won a national championship last season with Michigan. The two have met three times, when Harbaugh was with the 49ers from 2011-14 and Payton spent time with the Saints. Harbaugh’s teams won two of the games, including 36-32 in the 2011 playoffs. Both are old-school coaches who want to first establish the run. Payton gets a slight edge only because he is in his 17th season as an NFL head coach while Harbaugh is in his fifth.

Advantage: Broncos

Intangibles

The Chargers are coming off a bye week after losing 17-10 Sept. 29 to Kansas City, and some key players got much-needed rest. Harbaugh is continuing to get more comfortable being back in the NFL for the first time in a decade. While both teams have had injuries of note, the Broncos on Friday ruled out three offensive starters in Palczewski, Wattenberg and wide receiver Josh Reynolds, coming off minor hand surgery. The new offensive linemen will have to contend with Bosa and Mack. The Broncos have won three straight games and will be cheered on by an enthusiastic home crowd. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has some good knowledge of the Chargers, having been their offensive coordinator from 2021-22.

Advantage: Chargers