Broncos vs. Chargers: Week 8 preview

Key Matchups

Justin Herbert vs. Broncos Secondary

It appears as if Justin Herbert has really played well. The record might not indicate it, but he has really done well since getting the start in week two against the Kansas City Chiefs. He could get an interesting test against the Denver Broncos defense.

As of lately, the Broncos defense has been really solid. This includes the secondary. This is a team that held Patrick Mahomes to 200 yards passing. Granted, it was in the snow. But also take into consideration that the Broncos secondary has allowed only one 300 yard passer this season. (Ben Roethlisberger)

Will we see some rookie mistakes in this matchup from Justin Herbert? It could happen. But if that secondary does not force some turnovers, it will be a long day.

Drew Lock vs. Chargers Secondary

I know I am cheating a bit here with this selection here. But I truly believe this game will come down to how the quarterbacks play. The one who plays the better game will lead his team to victory. And Drew Lock needs a bounce-back game after what was perhaps his worst game in his short career.

He just could not get anything going. Staring down his receivers and trying to go for the long ball at least one-fourth of the time is just downright unnecessary. Denver was well in the game. The pick-six that was thrown was the turning point in a game that the Broncos defense really contained Mahomes.

From what I have seen, he needs to read the defense a bit more and find the second and third option. If he can progress through his reads, he will be a great quarterback. He truly needs to shake that game off and lead the team on Sunday.

X-Factors

Denver Broncos: Albert Okwuegbunam

This will all come down to the status of Noah Fant, but Albert Okwuegbunam could serve as a solid second tight end in certain situations. He could even spell Fant if the situation asks for it.

Okwuegbunam did have a solid game against the Chiefs, recording 60 yards on seven receptions. The only way to go is up, at least that is how it is supposed to go. As it stands right now, the Chargers have allowed four touchdowns to tight ends this season.

If the Broncos are going to execute on offense, they will need to be unpredictable. And Okwuegbunam can help in that department.

Los Angeles Chargers: Hunter Henry

Have the Denver Broncos solved their tight end issues? Let us pump the brakes on that for a moment. Yes, the Broncos defense kept Travis Kelce to only three catches and 31 yards receiving. But this was in bad weather.

However, Hunter Henry has not been very strong himself. He has recorded 291 yards and one touchdown this season. He has been somewhat off. If the Chargers are going to need a victory, Herbert needs to start throwing to his tight ends.