The LA Chargers are taking on the Denver Broncos for the second time this season with huge playoff implications. The Chargers need to win their final two games this season and get some help elsewhere in the AFC to make the playoffs. This is a must-win for the Bolts and a loss makes it virtually impossible for them to get in.
The Broncos got the best of the Chargers the last time these two teams played and it was one of the ugliest games the Chargers have played all season. You could make the case that it was Justin Herbert's worst game of the season as the Broncos thoroughly beat the Chargers. The Bolts want revenge and they need it.
Some Charger fans might be worried because of the last outcome. However, this game is going to be different.
3 reasons why this LA Chargers-Denver Broncos game will be different:
1. The LA Chargers are at home
There will be a decent chunk of Denver Broncos fans here but the days of opposing fans making up 75% of the crowd appear to be over. The Chargers had a good fan turnout against the Chiefs, who always seem to have a home crowd when they play the Chargers in LA.
Even if the crowd is 50-50 that is not the thing that matters. As you know, the Broncos have the best natural home-field advantage in the NFL because of the elevation. Guys simply are not used to playing at that elevation and when you go there with a hostile crowd it is easy to get flustered.
While Justin Herbert's home/away splits are around the same, he has had his best games this season in front of a home crowd at SoFi Stadium. Meanwhile, his ugliest games (Baltimore, Denver, Houston) all came on the road. Sure, he looked bad against the Patriots at home, but that is really his only super ugly home game this season.
Home-field advantage makes a difference and even if it is marginal, the Chargers will not have to deal with the same struggles that they had to deal with last time.