Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Coming right out of their bye week, the Broncos draw a divisional rival and one that has played at a high level this season.
The Chargers are in that playoff race as well and it is likely that both the Broncos and Chargers won’t each make the playoffs. That makes this a game the Broncos must find a way to win for a couple of reasons.
For one, the game takes place at home. The Broncos have won seven of the last eight games played against the Chargers in Denver dating back to 2014.
In addition, the Broncos will have come off the bye week, meaning they should have had some time to rest, recharge and prepare for the opponent. The Chargers on the other hand play a Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, making it a bit of a short week for them.
The Broncos will have no excuse to lose this game even though the Chargers may be the better team overall. They have them at home following a week off and for those reasons, they need to get this win.
If they don’t, the other two games on this list might not mean a thing as it would be hard evidence that this is just not a playoff team.