Stay here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Live updates

Pre-game updates

Football weather (1:58 p.m.): Postcard perfect day for football. 65 degrees with 7 mph winds. I expected to stay around this temperature for the entire game. — Renck

Bosa injury (12:39): Edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is one of the notable inactive players for the Chargers. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being a limited participant on Friday and listed as questionable. —McFadden

Broncos inactives (12:36 p.m.):

• QB Zach Wilson (3rd QB)
• OL Alex Palczewski
• S. J. L. Skinner
• S Keidron Smith
• CB Kris Abrams-Draine
• TE Greg Dulcich
• RB Blake Watson

RB Audric Estime and WR Devaughn Vele are active. DL Eni Uwazurike is present for the first time this year.

Extra size for heavy LA. — Gabriel

Scouting report (10.30 am): See how the Broncos stack up against the Raiders in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Chargers 17

Line up these rosters and this game and it feels like a Los Angeles victory. Jim Harbaugh has already done a good job with the Bolts and it should pay off for Justin Herbert down the line. They’re coming off a bye. They could get their starting tackles back. They are more committed to actually running the football. They are a favorite on the road for good reason. But sometimes you just ride the wave. The Broncos defense looks like it could be sliding down the barrel of a major breaker for a while yet. At some point the offense is going to have to win this team a game. Would certainly be interesting if Denver finds its way to 4-2.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 13, Chargers 10

This game won’t be pretty. We won’t get a Broncos-Jets type matchup, but anticipate a low-scoring game dictated by the run game. As long as Nix doesn’t turn the ball over like he has the last three weeks, Denver should be able to come away with a win. It’s tough to bet against Denver’s defense right now.

Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 17, Chargers 15

Everything is suddenly in front of the Broncos. They have won three straight and can post wins in their first two AFC West games for the first time since 2017. No team achieves its goals without playing well in the division. The Broncos understand this game doesn’t have the character of the Raiders, but it’s just as important. The format as a grimy, hand-in-the-ground cage match given the excellence of both defenses. Ultimately, an interception of Justin Herbert by Denver’s secondary – Riley Moss is my guess – will set up a game-winning field goal.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 16, Chargers 13

Justin Herbert plays with a brace. Bo Nix plays with panache. Much has been written about Joey Bosa against a worn-out Broncos offensive line, but even with Bronco killer Maxx Crosby (two sacks) in his face, Nix still moved the sticks with his legs when necessary, including a Run of 11 meters for a first descent to take the wind out of the sails of a pair of silver-and-black pirates. Bo is growing. And glows. Again.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 6: Must Reads

If the Broncos want to beat the Chargers on Sunday, reversing the early offensive struggles in the red zone will be crucial