Five Key Matchups: Chargers at Broncos

Head Coach Vance Joseph knows the Broncos' can't double-team both Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The numbers simply don't work out that way. As such, Trevor Siemian must be aware at all times that a dangerous pass rusher could be headed his way. Bosa, the defensive rookie of the year, didn't get to Siemian in either outing last year, but he did record a red-zone tackle in the first meeting that forced the Broncos to settle for three points. On Monday night, Siemian's ability to stay away from Bosa and eliminate negative plays could be the deciding factor.

Okung spent just one season in Denver, but he gained the respect of many teammates in Denver. "He's a great tackle, I knew he was going to land on his feet somewhere and he happened to go to the L.A. Chargers," Von Miller said Wednesday. "He's going to be a great challenge going against on Monday night." As big of a challenge as Okung poses for Miller, Miller poses an even bigger threat to Okung. After playing very few preseason snaps, Miller finally gets the chance to unleash his pass-rushing repertoire for the first time in 2017. With the help of Shaquil Barrett, he'll look to get off to a strong start.

Whichever of the Broncos' two First-Team All-Pro cornerbacks matches up with Keenan Allen will have his hands full. The fifth-year player tore his ACL in the first half of the Chargers' first game of 2016, but in that short amount of time, he was highly effective. In the first half of the Chargers' opener last season, Philip Rivers found Allen six times for 63 yards. Harris or Aqib Talib must ensure Allen doesn't become Rivers' favorite target again on Monday night.

The Chargers' third-year running back took a massive step in 2016 as he rushed for 997 yards, 10 touchdowns and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance. He'll look to keep that momentum going Monday night, and it will be up to a battered Broncos' defensive line to serve as the first barrier to Gordon's success. Starting defensive end Jared Crick is out, as is reserve nose tackle Zach Kerr. Domata Peko Sr. must provide a strong push up front to help the linebackers get free to make tackles. As the Broncos look to prove their run defense has improved from a year ago, this challenge is an important first step.

These two players won't ever be on the field at the same time, but they'll certainly be compared on Monday night. McManus led the NFL in points in the preseason, and his steady leg has proved essential to the Broncos over the previous few seasons. Can Koo match him? The Chargers' new kicker beat out the incumbent in Los Angeles, but whether or not he can handle the heat of the regular season remains to be seen. One thing's for sure: both players have a knack for going viral. Over the summer, McManus hit a 73-yard field goal during a practice session. More recently, a video resurfaced of Koo making a kick after a backflip. Monday night, the kicks will likely stay more traditional.