Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 18 opponent: Broncos

The Chargers close out the regular season on the road in a divisional matchup with the Broncos.

To get you prepped for the Week 18 bout, here are some key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the game.

Coaching change

After only 15 games since being named head coach, former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett was relieved of his duties. Under Hackett, Denver was 4-11 before being let go of. The Broncos named Jerry Rosburg as their interim coach. Rosburg served as the assistant to Hackett before being promoted. In Rosburg’s first game overseeing the team, Denver nearly upset the Chiefs last Sunday but fell just short, 27-24.

Russell did not cook this season

To say that quarterback Russell Wilson’s first season with the Broncos was lackluster would be an understatement. The former Seattle Seahawk is completing 60.8% of his passes for 231.5 yards per game, with 13 touchdowns to ten interceptions. He has now lost seven straight starts, which is the longest losing streak of his career. Wilson has struggled to see the field and missed open players for a more significant part of the season.

Still dominant on defense

Despite having an abysmal offense, the Broncos still have a solid defense, particularly against the pass. Denver ranks fourth in passing defense DVOA. They are holding quarterbacks to 5.8 passing yards per attempt, which is the second-lowest in the league and have 15 interceptions, tied for the third most. In their first meeting this season, Justin Herbert was held to just 37-of-57 passing for 238 yards and an interception.

Other notes

• The Broncos rank 26th in rushing offense DVOA and 22nd in rushing defense DVOA.
• The Broncos have allowed the fourth-most sacks (30).
• Latavius Murray is the team’s leading rusher with 600 yards, 4.1 yards per carry and four touchdowns.
• Jerry Jeudy leads the team in receiving with 818 yards and six touchdowns. Courtland Sutton is not far off with 796 yards.
• Justin Simmons is tied for the most interceptions in the league (6).
• Alex Singleton has the seventh-most total tackles (151).