The Week 3 matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 21, 2025, has the feel of a true AFC West battleground, one where both teams are trying to prove they can emerge from the shadows of Kansas City and become credible playoff contenders, and given the talent on both rosters, this game is likely to come down to execution in the fourth quarter. The Chargers enter with Justin Herbert still at the helm, a quarterback whose arm talent, decision-making, and leadership make him one of the most gifted signal-callers in the league, but one who has yet to turn statistical production into deep playoff runs, so every divisional game carries added pressure. Herbert has an evolving set of weapons, with Keenan Allen continuing to provide steady veteran presence, Quentin Johnston growing into a bigger role as a vertical threat, and tight ends giving him short-to-intermediate outlets, while the run game, led by J.K. Dobbins and depth pieces, has been tasked with bringing more balance to an offense that has at times been too reliant on Herbert’s arm. Protecting him remains critical, as Denver’s defense, spearheaded by Pat Surtain II in the secondary and a pass rush that can collapse pockets, thrives when it forces quarterbacks into hurried decisions, and the Broncos will look to test the Chargers’ offensive line early and often. Denver’s offense, meanwhile, is in the middle of an identity shift under head coach Sean Payton, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix beginning his NFL journey and trying to show he can operate efficiently in hostile divisional environments, and his chemistry with receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and a group of emerging targets will be essential to keeping the Chargers honest.

The Broncos’ ground attack, powered by Javonte Williams, provides them a chance to control tempo, sustain drives, and keep Herbert on the sideline, though consistency behind a still-gelling offensive line remains a question mark. Defensively, Denver relies not only on Surtain to limit Herbert’s top option but also on a front seven that must be disciplined against both the pass and the run, as the Chargers’ offensive versatility has been a problem for them in recent years. For Los Angeles, the defensive key lies in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack generating relentless pressure on Nix, as forcing a rookie quarterback into mistakes could open the door to turnovers and short fields that tilt the game in their favor, while Derwin James’ role in the secondary as both an enforcer and a coverage safety will be vital in limiting big plays. Special teams could also factor heavily into the outcome, as both franchises have had inconsistencies in the kicking game and in coverage units that can swing field position in close contests. Historically, this rivalry has produced unpredictable results, with underdogs often covering spreads and late scoring surges pushing totals higher, reflecting the wide-open, often chaotic style of AFC West football. Ultimately, the matchup sets up as a battle of quarterback poise—whether Herbert can deliver clean, efficient play against Denver’s defense and whether Nix can handle the pressure of keeping pace in a divisional shootout—and whoever wins that duel could very well set the tone for their team’s season trajectory.