The Broncos (5-9) will take on the Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 2:05 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
A year after sweeping the Chargers, the Broncos will try to make it two years straight without a loss to their rivals in Southern California. After Denver was eliminated from playoff contention, all eyes will be on QB Drew Lock to see how he bounces back from a Week 15 loss to Buffalo. Lock has made some progress in recent weeks, but the team and fans alike want to see his play continue to improve. It seems likely that Lock will look for TE Noah Fant plenty after his career-best eight catches vs. the Bills, but he will also probably hope to rekindle his chemistry with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick, who had a combined four catches last week. With some injuries to Los Angeles' front seven, though, perhaps RB Melvin Gordon III may be in line for a big day against his old team. Speaking of old teams, Sunday's game will be Chris Harris Jr.'s first duel against the Broncos since departing in free agency earlier this year.
Defensively, Denver will have to mount a more effective effort than the one it turned in a week ago. The secondary, which was gouged for 352 net passing yards, is still without its starting cornerbacks, and the reserves will get no less of a challenge this week with gunslinger Justin Herbert at quarterback and a receiving corps led by Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The defense also can't overlook the rushing attack; RB Austin Ekeler is a dangerous rushing and receiving threat.
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos will be down two starters on Sunday, as Phillip Lindsay (hip/knee) was ruled out for the game on Friday and OLB Bradley Chubb (ankle) was ruled out on Saturday. Four other Broncos — RB Royce Freeman (hip), DL DeShawn Williams (knee) and CB Nate Hairston (toe) — are listed as questionable.
The Chargers ruled out Pro Bowl DE Joey Bosa (shin/concussion) and Uchenna Nwosu (knee), which means their defense will be without two starters. Allen is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, and starting linebacker Denzel Perryman is also questionable (back). Tight end Hunter Henry will also miss Sunday's game, as he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday.
WATCH ON TV: CBS
Play-by-Play: Spero Dedes
Analyst: Adam Archuleta
Sideline: Amanda Balionis
WATCH ON MOBILE
In-market fans can stream the game on DenverBroncos.com or in the Broncos 365 app via mobile web on iOS on iPhones and iPads and through the Yahoo Sports app. Streaming is available on Android devices on the Yahoo Sports app only.
LISTEN LIVE
LOCAL ENGLISH RADIO (KOA - 850 AM/94.1 FM & The Fox - 103.5 FM)
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
SPANISH RADIO (KNRV - 1150 AM)
Play-by-Play: Carlos Valdez
Analyst: Salvador Hernandez
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
