Broncos get a huge boost ahead of Week 3 matchup vs. the Chargers, and it bodes well for Denver’s chances of securing a win

The Denver Broncos got some good news ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers

Adam Zientek NFL News Writer
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Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) embrace following the game at SoFi Stadium.
Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) embrace following the game at SoFi Stadium. © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos are looking to get the sour taste out of their mouths after a last-second defeat in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. A tough task lies ahead as the divisional showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers is set for action on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Ahead of the matchup, the Broncos got some good news that should make the upcoming game a little easier for them. It’s been reported that superstar pass rusher Khalil Mack will be sidelined for the upcoming contest, leaving the Chargers without one of the better pass rushers in the league.

Per the NFL’s Ian Rapoport, Mack suffered a dislocated elbow that will force him out of the upcoming Broncos game and will sideline him for a few weeks.

Mack collided with his teammate Troy Dye during the Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, which had fans fearing the worst, with Mack in clear pain and unable to return to the contest.

Khalil Mack being out is good news for Bo Nix and the offense

Quarterback Bo Nix bounced back in Week 2 after a rocky performance in the season opener. Despite a costly turnover, the second-year quarterback made some big improvements against the Indianapolis Colts and finished his day going 22-of-30 for 206 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

Without Mack, the Chargers’ pass rush looked relatively nonexistent, and the Chargers might need to bring in some outside help in the wake of Mack’s injury designation. Nevertheless, it’s a huge advantage for offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who doesn’t have to plan against Mack.

Through two weeks, the Broncos and Chargers have the fewest pressures allowed in the NFL, which bodes well for the Broncos to continue their dominance up front without Mack being a factor.

In 2024, the Broncos were swept in both meetings. Nix and the offense should come out hungrier than ever in hopes of climbing the rankings in the AFC West.