The stakes don’t get much bigger than this in Week 16. The Chargers host the Broncos on Thursday night with a chance to improve to 9-6.
Los Angeles won in Denver back in Week 6, so a potential sweep could have huge implications on playoff seeding. Here are five Broncos players to watch for this week’s primetime matchup:
Marvin Mims
Mims hasn’t broken out in the way that some thought he would in his sophomore campaign. He was a non-factor for the first two months of the season, but has stepped up recently. The former Oklahoma product didn’t have a game over 20 receiving yards in the team’s first 10 games, but has now topped that mark in four straight. His big play ability is something to be watched, as evidenced by his 93-yard touchdown against the Browns a few weeks ago.
Garett Bolles
Bolles caught a lot of flak early in his career for the amount of holding calls that he racked up. Nowadays, he looks like a much different player. Bolles has been superb for the Broncos in 2024, particularly in pass protection. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the fourth-best pass protector amongst OTs in 2024. His matchup against the Chargers’ edge rushers will be key in this primetime game.
Nik Bonitto
It seems to be a bit under the radar still, but Bonitto has been elite this season. The third-year linebacker is tied for third in sacks (11.5), which is already the best mark of his career. Bonitto has wrecked havoc in other ways too with 41 total tackles, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate has scored a defensive touchdown in each of his last two games as well.
Brandon Jones
Jones has tremendously helped make up for the loss of star safety Justin Simmons this season. The veteran leads the team with 91 total tackles and has been a playmaker all over the field. Jones has three interceptions, nine pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Herbert and the Chargers offense will need to keep an eye on Jones at all times on Thursday night.
Kris Abrams-Draine
Riley Moss has established himself as an elite No. 2 cornerback for Denver this season, but he’s still a huge question mark for Thursday night. If Moss is unable to go, keep an eye on Abrams-Draine. The rookie fifth-rounder made his first career start in Week 15 and played quite well. Still, expect Herbert to target Abrams-Draine often in this one and make the rookie earn it.
