The Chargers are in SoFi Stadium for the first time this season when they host the 1-1 Denver Broncos.

Like all AFC West matchups, it’s going to be exciting and competitive. It won’t be for the faint of heart.

Let’s go ahead and dive in to our staff predictions!

(Side note: Kyle is no longer with us after getting hired into a larger role at SB Nation. Congrats to him and we’ll miss his contributions!)

Michael:

Through two games, the Chargers have looked like a complete football team. The offense is scoring more points than the defense is allowing and the special teams unit isn’t making any critical mistakes. Without having to look like a juggernaut on either one side of the ball, the Bolts are still managing to look like a team that’s inflicting their will on their opponents.

This week is their third consecutive matchup with an AFC West opponent. It’s hard not to assume they’re as motivated as can be to not only start 3-0, but 3-0 in their division as well. At the same time, you just know the Broncos will carry a chip on their shoulder into SoFi Stadium after losing on a last-second field goal to the Colts in Week Two.

That’s why I predict this game to be the closest of these first three divisional games. The Broncos are going to be pesky and if the Chargers don’t come ready to match their energy, it could be a frustrating first game at home.

I came into this thinking I was going to pick the Broncos to win in a close one, but I’ve decided to change my tune. The Bolts will win a very, very close game by once again owning the ball in the final minutes and kneeling out the clock.

Chargers 24, Broncos 23

Jeremy:

The Los Angeles Chargers can complete the trifecta and establish themselves as the threat to win the AFC West with a win against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. The Chargers won in two very different ways in the first two weeks: first with their offensive firepower against the Kansas City Chiefs and second by their defensive prowess against the Las Vegas Raiders. They will need both to compete against the Broncos, another playoff opponent from a year ago. Denver has looked sound over the first two weeks, but a loss last week to the Indianapolis Colts has them hungry for the matchup ahead. The game will be close and I can see it going either way, but I fear the Broncos come in with a slight edge.

Broncos 27, Chargers 24