Broncos could really use a win against Chargers in key AFC West battle

No, it’s not a “must-win” for the Denver Broncos in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

It’s hard to have those types of battles in September.

But it does look like a game that Denver could really use a victory.

The Chargers beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, 20-9, to move to 2-0 on the season. They’re alone in first place in the AFC West.

The Broncos and Raiders are tied for second at 1-1, and somehow the Kansas City Chiefs are sitting in last place at 0-2. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17 on Sunday in a Super Bowl rematch.

Counting out the Chiefs would be foolish, but if the Broncos want to win their first AFC West crown this season since 2015, Sunday’s game in Los Angeles is critical.

With a win, both Denver and L.A. would be 2-1 and the Broncos would be tied atop the division. With a loss, they’ll be 1-2 and the Chargers 3-0. That’d be a deep hole to dig out of, especially because Justin Herbert and company would’ve swept the Chiefs, Raiders and Broncos to start the year.

Again, the AFC West isn’t won in the first month of the season, but Jim Harbaugh’s bunch would be feeling pretty darn good starting undefeated. And Sean Payton and the Broncos would not only be disappointed in a second straight loss, but also because they gagged a game away in Indianapolis this past weekend.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs will face the 0-2 Giants on Sunday Night Football. It’s hard to see them falling to 0-3, although our old friend (enemy?) Russell Wilson did ball out against the Cowboys in Week 2. New York desperately needs a victory or another campaign might slip away early.

At the end of the day, the Broncos have to control what they can control. And getting to 2-1 with a win over the Chargers would be massive. A loss wouldn’t end their AFC West title hopes, but it would undoubtedly put a dent in them.

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