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Los Angeles Chargers’ 2017 opponent outlook: Denver Broncos

By Travis Wakeman

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) runs the ball against San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) runs the ball against San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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We know all about the Los Angeles Chargers, but what do we know about the teams they will face next season?

I am going to begin telling you all that you need to know about all of the teams that appear on the Chargers schedule in 2017, starting with Week 1.

Playing in the AF West, arguably the most difficult division in football, the Chargers are already behind the 8-ball, so to speak. Last season, the Chargers went 1-5 against the division last year. They also finished the season on a five-game losing streak. However, two of their five victories last season came against teams that made the playoffs, including one that participated in the Super Bowl.

For the Chargers to be successful this season, they must be much better within their own division. They’ll get a chance to address that goal right off the bat.

Week 1 at Denver Broncos

Broncos’ 2016 record: 9-7 (2-4 in AFC West):

The Broncos opened the 2016 season as the defending Super Bowl champions, but after losing key players on defense such as Danny Trevathan and Malik Jackson to free agency, combined with the departure of legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, the team had a much different look.

Despite getting off to a 4-0 start, the Broncos failed to make the postseason. They split the series with the Chargers with each team winning at home. The Chargers’ 21-13 win over Denver in Week 6 on Thursday Night Football was one of their more complete performances all season.

All-Time Series: Denver leads 64-50-1

This is one of the league’s oldest rivalries, dating all the way back to October 1960. Denver had beaten the Chargers five times in a row before the Thursday night game last year, but the Broncos have still taken 10 of the last 12 meetings dating back to November 2011.

This will be the fourth time the teams have opened a season against each other, but the first time since 1994.

Key Additions

Like the Chargers, the Broncos were hurting for help along the offensive line. As a result, the team added both Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson through free agency before drafting offensive tackle Garett Bolles out of Utah in the first round of the draft.

The team also signed veteran defensive tackle Domata Peko, who had spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Key Losses

The Broncos lost Russell Okung after declining the option on his contract. Of course, Okung then signed a new deal with Los Angeles.

Former first-round pick Sylvester Williams also signed a free-agent deal with the Tennessee Titans.

Kickoff

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. PST and the game will be televised as part of a doubleheader on Monday Night Football. The teams will then meet again in Week 7.

Predictions

Let us know how you think the Chargers will fare against the Broncos in their two meetings next season by using the comments section below.

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