Broncos Face Chargers in AFC West Week 5 Matchup

The Denver Broncos visited the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026, for an AFC West Week 5 game as both teams sought a turnaround. Denver entered 2-2 while Los Angeles was 0-4, according to the Broncos and NFL coverage.

Denver looked to improve its offense behind quarterback Bo Nix after inconsistent early-season production. The Broncos entered the matchup aiming to build on running back RJ Harvey’s 93 scrimmage yards in Week 4, according to denverbroncos.com.

The Broncos defense faced the task of containing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who helped Los Angeles produce 17 points and more than 200 yards after halftime in its Week 4 loss, according to denverbroncos.com.

Denver’s defense featured pressure from Nik Bonitto and coverage from Patrick Surtain II, although the Broncos ruled out Surtain II with an ankle injury and Riley Moss with a ribs injury, according to team reports.

The Broncos also placed wide receiver Pat Bryant on injured reserve after he missed practice during the week. Gameday reports listed Denver inactives including quarterback Sam Ehlinger, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson and tight end Dallen Bentley.

The Chargers entered the game dealing with multiple absences, including wide receiver Quentin Johnston, safety Derwin James and offensive linemen Joe Alt and Kayode Awosika, according to gameday inactive reports.

Denver head coach Sean Payton resumed play-calling duties after the offense struggled through the first four games, according to Mile High Report. The Broncos entered the matchup ranked near the bottom of the league in yards and points per game.

Los Angeles aimed to stabilize an offense that had struggled despite Herbert’s passing ability. CBS Sports reported the Chargers ranked 29th in points per game and had allowed 26.5 points per game entering Week 5.

The matchup was the Broncos’ second AFC West game of the season. Denver sought its third victory while Los Angeles continued searching for its first win of 2026.