Another key Broncos injury tilts Week 6 clash in favor of Chargers

The LA Chargers and Denver Broncos square off for the first time in the teams' respective new eras. For the Chargers, it is the first game in Denver of the Jim Harbaugh era while the Broncos will be hosting the Bolts for the first time in the Bo Nix era.

It is hard to predict exactly what will happen between these two foes but there is one common thread that most fans and analysts have agreed on; this is going to be a low-scoring game in which the defenses take control.

Both Los Angeles and Denver have top-tier defenses — ranked first and second in points allowed per game, respectively — and have offenses that are below the league median — ranked 28th and 22nd in points scored per game, respectively.

The two AFC West foes are also dealing with various injuries. Los Angeles got good news throughout the week as Justin Herbert isn't just playing, but is playing close to 100%. Denver is not benefitting from the same fortune as the team is down to its third-string tackle, is playing without Josh Reynolds, and for the first time in 2024, will be playing without starting center Luke Wattenberg.

Luke Wattenberg injury gives Chargers huge edge vs. Broncos

For those keeping track at home, Nix is going to be playing with a third-string right tackle and a backup center who is a rookie and has played 10 snaps in his career to this point. That is not great for a rookie who is still getting his sea legs.

It is particularly not good against a Chargers team that has one of the best front sevens in the entire sport. Joey Bosa is questionable with a hip injury but even without the former Ohio State Buckeye, the Chargers boast a plentiful pass rush that will disrupt a rookie quarterback.

Khalil Mack is still playing at an elite level and the depth of Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree on the edge allow the Chargers to not miss a beat with Bosa out. With an aggressive interior pass rush to go with the deep edge-rusher room, the Chargers have the ability to disrupt any quarterback.

Throw in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who is quickly making himself a head coach candidate in next spring's cycle, and the Chargers have a defense that can strike fear in any team for the first time in a long time.

It is already hard enough for a rookie quarterback to go against Minter's defensive wizardry and the Chargers' deep defensive line. With a backup center and a third-string tackle, this matchup is bordering on disastrous for Nix and the Broncos' offense.

As long as the Chargers' offense can regain its form and put some pressure on the Broncos then it should be a relatively smooth win for the Bolts, all things considered.