Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers: Full Denver Game Preview

After handing the New England Patriots their first loss of the season last Sunday, the Denver Broncos (9-2) now take to the road in Week 13 to face the San Diego Chargers (3-8) for the first time this season.

Denver is 2-0 with Brock Osweiler as its starting quarterback, and after defeating the Patriots, thoughts of a trip to the Super Bowl may once again be realistic. But they must not get ahead of themselves. San Diego usually finds a way to provide tough opposition for the Broncos, and Philip Rivers has put together a solid individual season.

Denver has won the last three meetings between these teams and seven of the last eight. The Broncos also lead the all-time series 61-49-1.

Though the Chargers have suffered through a dismal season, they will throw everything they can at the Broncos in this one to disrupt Denver's pursuit of another AFC West title and, perhaps, even more.

Read on for a full preview of this game, including key matchups to look for and the latest injury news for the Broncos.

Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA.

Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

TV: CBS

Week 12 Recap

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Many fans had the game between Denver and New England circled on their calendars the moment the 2015 schedule was released. Those fans were not disappointed.

The Broncos and Patriots treated them to one of the most exciting games of the 2015 season, complete with snowy conditions and an overtime period.

Osweiler was able to pick up his second career win in as many starts, and the Broncos did what has always seemed all but impossible against Bill Belichick and the Patriots by coming back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime and eventually win the game.

C.J. Anderson had his best game of the season, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns including the game-winner of 48 yards in overtime. It was Denver's first regular-season victory over New England in more than six years.

With the win, the Broncos not only handed the Patriots their first loss of the season, but they also moved to within one game in the race for home-field advantage in the playoffs.

If the Broncos reach success in the postseason, this will be the game that is looked back on as the springboard to that.

News and Notes

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C.J. Anderson Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

As Mike Klis of 9News.com reports, Anderson was selected as the conference player of the week for his efforts against the Patriots, which included 153 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. 

This marks the second week that a member of the Broncos has won this award, as Osweiler was chosen as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week following the team's victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 11.

Not bad for a team that has been much more lauded for its defense this season.

David Bruton Chosen As Team's Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee

The NFL has released its list of nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and as Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post reports, David Bruton will be the Broncos' choice. 

Bruton was chosen for his leadership on the field and in the local community. Aside from volunteering at several organizations in Colorado, Bruton also started Bruton's Books back in April to promote youth literacy.

John Elway is the only member of the Broncos to ever win the award, which he did back in 1992.

Broncos Work Out Multiple Players

According to Andrew Mason of the team's official website, the Broncos held a mass workout earlier in the week, which included 16 players. Though future contracts cannot be handed out until the end of the season, the Broncos may be planning to award them to some of these players.

However, one player was signed. Tight end Dan Light, who played at Fordham University, was signed to the team's practice squad, according to Allie Raymond of the team's official website.

Among the 16 players that worked out for the team were two quarterbacks, Seth Lobato and Bryn Renner. Lobato has worked out for the team before, and Renner was part of the roster during preseason in 2014.

Latest Injury News

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Peyton Manning

Quarterback Peyton Manning may not play another snap for the Broncos this season or in the future, but the status of his health is something that will continue to be watched closely. 

As Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports, Manning is now in a walking boot and looking to continue his rehab process after having a cast removed on Tuesday night.

Manning is likely trying to get back to the field before the end of the regular season, but even if he becomes completely healthy, he may still sit and watch Osweiler run the offense.

DeMarcus Ware

Defensive end DeMarcus Ware returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Andrew Mason of the team's official website. That had to be a welcome site for the team. 

Ware's absence has been felt, as the pass rush has not been anywhere near as fierce without him. He has missed the team's last three games. It's a great sign that Ware is back on the practice field, and without any setbacks on Thursday or Friday, he could suit up on Sunday.

Louis Vasquez

The news wasn't as encouraging for Louis Vasquez, who watched Wednesday's practice from the sideline, according to Mason. Vasquez left the Week-12 game against New England with a groin injury and never returned. 

The fact that he was unable to practice Wednesday leaves open the likely possibility that he won't be on the field Sunday. If that's the case, the Broncos will be forced to start both Evan Mathis and Max Garcia at the guard positions.

T.J. Ward

T.J. Ward was forced to miss most of the game against New England after suffering an ankle injury, and as ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold reports, Ward was in a walking boot this week. Legwold also mentions that the team has chosen to re-sign safety Josh Bush. 

Bush has appeared in games for the Broncos in the past, and his signing shows that the team is ready to be without Ward even if it's just for one game.

Sylvester Williams

On the same play that Ward was hurt against New England, defensive tackle Sylvester Williams went down with an ankle injury. 

However, head coach Gary Kubiak seems optimistic concerning his prognosis, saying "Sly is a little ahead of T.J.," according to Mason.

With any luck, Williams won't have to miss any time. If he can't go, look for the Broncos to make sixth-round draft choice Darius Kilgo active and give him his first chance at some significant playing time.

Key Matchups

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Chris Harris vs. Stevie Johnson

The Chargers have not been able to run the ball, and Rivers is averaging 42 pass attempts per game. Even though San Diego is facing the league's No. 1 pass defense, they aren't going to shy away from throwing the ball.

Stevie Johnson can be a very effective receiver out of the slot, and it will be up to Chris Harris to slow him down. Though Johnson will likely draw coverage from several different defenders during the game, look for the matchup between him and Harris.

Malik Jackson vs. Orlando Franklin

The battle in the trenches is always a key matchup to watch, but this one will be interesting as San Diego has a former Denver Bronco on its offensive line. 

Orlando Franklin, who played for the Broncos from 2011-2014, will face his former team for the first time. Franklin hasn't exactly been good in pass protection. Pro Football Focus currently ranks him at No. 69 out of 81 guards that have been graded in that aspect.

The Broncos know Franklin's weaknesses better than anyone, and it could be a matchup they could exploit.

Demaryius Thomas vs. Jason Verrett

Demaryius Thomas had a miserable game against New England and needs to bounce back. If Osweiler is going to be the quarterback moving forward, he needs to establish a better connection with the team's No.1 receiver.

Thomas will be going up against second-year cornerback Jason Verrett, who has had a great season. In terms of pass coverage, Pro Football Focus ranks him at No. 8 in the entire league.

As for Thomas, he just needs to catch the ball.

X-Factor Player

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Broncos X-Factor Player of the Week: Max Garcia

Whether or not Vasquez misses this game, Garcia will see playing time. Mathis isn't 100 percent and probably hasn't been all season.

Garcia is slowly turning into a solid offensive lineman for the Broncos, showing the qualities that made him a fourth-round draft pick earlier this year. Against New England, his play really stood out.

Look for Garcia to continue to grow into a regular role with the team as he gains confidence through his playing experience. He is an absolute bulldozer in the running game, and against San Diego, a team that is giving up an average of 123.7 yards rushing per game, he could be a force.

Prediction

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These are two teams going in much different directions. San Diego will have the game at home, but that is about their only advantage.

Osweiler has settled in nicely to the starting role and has yet to really make any mistakes. In this game, he'll get the support of his running game.

Anderson and Ronnie Hillman will both be effective in this game, as the Broncos will run all over the Chargers en route to a big victory.

Rivers will turn the ball over at least twice, being forced into errant throws by Denver's pass rush. When the final seconds tick off, the Broncos will leave San Diego with a fairly dominant victory and on the cusp of another division title.

Final Prediction: Broncos 24, Chargers 10