Broncos vs. Chargers: What's the Game Plan for San Diego?

The San Diego Chargers will try for the upset when they host the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos on Sunday.

The Chargers (3-8) snapped a six-game losing streak last week with a 31-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, the Broncos (9-2) are fresh off handing the New England Patriots their first loss of the season via a 30-24 decision in overtime.

For more on the matchup itself, check out the full San Diego game preview. Below is this week's game plan for the Chargers.

Offensive Game Plan

Let's not beat around the bush: The Broncos have a heck of a defense—maybe the best in the league. The defense ranks first against the pass, second against the run and fourth in points allowed. On top of that, it leads the league in sacks with 37. Let's start there.

Priority No. 1 for the Chargers should be to keep Philip Rivers protected, as he's their best chance at winning. Fortunately for San Diego's offensive line, All-Pro outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has been ruled out for Sunday's contest with a back injury, but that still leaves fellow All-Pro Von Miller to contend with on the other side.

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Miller has garnered seven sacks on the year, including one in three straight games, and he'll be licking his chops going against a Chargers offensive line down two starters. Left tackle King Dunlap (ankle) and right guard D.J. Fluker (concussion) have been listed as out for Sunday's game. Chris Hairston will make his sixth start of the season at left tackle, and Kenny Wiggins will start a second straight game at right guard after filling in for Fluker last week.

Given the circumstances up front, we should see a lot of dinking and dunking from the Chargers in the passing game. And Philip Rivers will have to be cautious to not throw his fifth pick-six of the season, as Denver's secondary has returned five interceptions for touchdowns. Aqib Talib has two this season, while Chris Harris Jr., Omar Bolden and Bradley Roby have one each.

Speaking of Denver's secondary, Harris (third), Roby (18th) and Talib (31st) rank among the top 31 corners in pass coverage, according to Pro Football Focus, and the trio has allowed just one touchdown among them. That said, Rivers will still try to get the ball to his receivers, but there are better matchups for San Diego at tight end. The Broncos will be without Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward (ankle), which should open things up over the middle for Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green.

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And while a strong ground game would greatly help the Chargers, they haven't had much success running the ball. Furthermore, Denver's front seven isn't likely to give way to rookie Melvin Gordon, who still hasn't found the end zone despite 170 touches on the season.

The Chargers' game plan on offense hasn't changed much from week to week. That may be why they haven't won many games, but don't expect Mike McCoy and Frank Reich to suddenly change it now with five games left in 2015.

Defensive Game Plan

John Pagano's defensive unit has struggled with giving up big plays in the passing game. So, naturally the Chargers should be wary of Pro Bowl receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders getting open downfield for gains of 20-plus yards.

It'll be interesting to see which assignment Jason Verrett draws. He's probably San Diego's fastest corner, so it makes sense to put him on the speedy Sanders, but are the Chargers prepared to match up Thomas, one of the best receivers in the game, against Brandon Flowers or Patrick Robinson? It's pick-your-poison with Thomas and Sanders.

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But the story in Denver hasn't been who's catching the ball but who's throwing it.

Brock Osweiler is running the show at quarterback with Peyton Manning sidelined by a foot injury, and as his 2-0 record indicates, the 25-year-old is not half bad. In fact, you could make the argument that Osweiler should remain the starter from here on out. He's fresher, more mobile and a better fit for Gary Kubiak's style of offense, which people tend to forget is predicated on the running game.

And with Manning out, Denver's running backs have taken priority over the passing game, with Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson combining for 160-plus yards in each of the last two games. As if defending the pass weren't enough, the Chargers must also be concerned with stopping the run, which they haven't succeeded in doing all season. San Diego has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game and third-most rushing touchdowns.

If the Chargers can limit the damage done on the ground by Hillman and Anderson, they can turn their attention to rattling Osweiler, who's been sacked eight times in the past two games. He hasn't made too many mistakes yet, but an inexperienced quarterback is bound to have his off days.

Key Matchups and Players to Watch

Jason Verrett vs. Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders: We're assuming Verrett gets one or the other, but it's also possible he will be asked to switch off. But since Osweiler took over under center, he's targeted Sanders more than Thomas. And Thomas is coming off a six-catch, 113-yard performance against the Patriots.

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Chargers Offensive Line vs. Broncos Pass Rush: The league's top pass rush versus a shoddy offensive line doesn't sound like a premier matchup on paper, but it's one the Chargers will have to win if they expect to have any chance against this defense. Rivers has a big game only if the guys up front can block for him.

Orlando Franklin: Orlando Franklin used to go up against Denver's vaunted defense on a daily basis in practice when he was a member of the Broncos from 2011-14, so we have to assume he knows a little bit of what's coming. To this point, Franklin hasn't been much of a factor on the offensive line, but he might be inspired to do well against his former team.

Denzel Perryman: The arrow is pointing way up for San Diego's second-round pick, who's been impressive with 13 tackles and one sack in the last two games. Denzel Perryman and Manti Te'o are forming quite the one-two punch at inside linebacker.

Prediction

An upset, while possible, just doesn't seem likely in this scenario. The Chargers have a little momentum going for them with last week's win over the Jaguars but not enough to take down the mighty Broncos. Rivers told reporters at Wednesday's news conference (via Chargers.com) he's not backing down if the game against the Broncos turns into a high-scoring affair, but he just doesn't have the weapons right now to compete.

Predicted Score: Broncos 26, Chargers 13

All injury information courtesy of Chargers.com and DenverBroncos.com.