Chargers vs. Broncos: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers are bitter division rivals that almost always end up going in different directions in recent years.

The Broncos haven't been to the postseason since 2005, when they lost to the Steelers in AFC title game. Coincidentally (not so much actually), that was Philip Rivers' second year in the league, and the Chargers have been to the postseason every year but one since he took over the starting job in 2006.

San Diego is finally off a decent start and has aspirations of not only winning the division, but possibly even the Super Bowl.

They'll need all their stars to stay healthy for that to happen though, and that has been a major problem.

The Broncos, on the other hand, could be heading for another top-five draft pick. The quarterback controversy they swear isn't real very much is (when the fans chant for the No. 3 quarterback, somebody has to give in at some point), and they haven't looked particularly good anywhere else.

This game doesn't look pretty on paper, but when AFC West foes get together, it is always worth a watch.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High; Denver, Co.

When: Sunday Oct. 9 at 4:15 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS, DirecTV 713

Listen: Chargers: KIOZ 105.3 FM & KLSD 1360 AM, Sirius 85 Broncos: AM 850 KOA/KJMA 92.1/KMXA 1090, Sirius 94

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: Chargers -4

What's At Stake?

Postseason and draft season positioning. The Chargers can't afford to drop games they should win in division anymore. Too many times in past years has this team made their road to the postseason difficult with inexcusable losses. Those days need to be over, or they need to find a new coach.

San Diego is the best team by far in the AFC West, and they need to prove that in Denver.

As for the Broncos, a win is certainly nice for the home fans, but this team is in the "Suck For Luck" competition with 11 other teams.

There is no point in pretending this team can win more than five football games this year, but landing Andrew Luck is a real possibility.

The quarterback controversy they have now would disappear forever if the next Stanford great were to come to Mile High. 

Chargers' Injury Report

Vincent Jackson, WR: Much like last week, the star receiver will likely be limited in practice, but is expected to play in the game.

Antonio Gates, TE: Gates' foot is expected to keep him out of the lineup until after the Week 6 bye. He is making progress. though.

Broncos' Injury Report

Champ Bailey, CB: The veteran leader "vows" that he will play this week. His hamstring injury sidelined him against the Packers, and he wasn't happy.

What They're Saying

The San Diego Union Tribune wrote about the weakness of the Chargers' schedule and how their 3-1 start is nothing to get too excited about:

"

The Chargers’ three victories have come against teams that are a combined 1-11.

And it is quite possible that if the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs had not played on Sunday (with the Chiefs winning), then the Chargers would have only beaten winless teams so far.

So really, there is nothing remarkable about what the Chargers have accomplished so far in going 3-1.

"

The Denver Post rings in on one of the few bright spots for the Broncos, rookie Von Miller:

"

In a 1-3 start that has featured a seemingly endless discussion about who is, or isn't, the team's quarterback, as well as penalties, fumbles, interceptions, missed opportunities and a pile of injuries to key players, Miller is someone the Broncos can point to as proof that better days are ahead.

Miller has four sacks in four games and is the only rookie among the seven players in the NFL who have at least four sacks.

"

Chargers Player to Watch: Ryan Mathews, RB

The second-year back is finally starting to come into his own. He's averaging close to five yards per carry on the season, already has 19 catches out of the backfield and is finally living up to his high draft status.

If he can stay consistent, this offense will be a much more balanced and feared attack throughout the league. The Broncos are doing a much better job against the run this year under John Fox, so it will be interesting to see what Mathews can do against them.

Broncos Player to Watch: Von Miller, OLB

The rookie pass rusher truly is a freak athlete with incredible talents. His four sacks in four games is something that every Broncos fan should get excited about. They passed up the opportunity to add a legitimate run-stuffer for him, and it is working out to their advantage so far.

Should Elvis Dumervil prove to be healthy on the opposite side, Miller will have a running mate to help keep offenses off balance from both sides of the defense.

Key Matchup: Broncos secondary vs. Chargers receivers.

The Broncos already give up 275 yards per game in the air, and Rivers is averaging almost 315.

San Diego's offense does have some balance should Ryan Mathews continue to impress, but they win football games on the arm of their quarterback.

Champ Bailey is trying to come back from injury. Brian Dawkins didn't practice for the first time all season this week, and they also feature a rookie free safety.

The unit has to find a way to stay in front of whoever the Chargers throw out at receiver or they'll be playing from behind all game long.

Prediction: Chargers 31, Broncos 13