Broncos vs. Chargers predictions: Final score picks for NFL Week 3

It’s amazing how a one-point loss on the road against a perceived inferior team can throw an entire season on its head. That’s kind of what happened with the Denver Broncos on Sunday, because now they have to try to take down the red-hot Los Angeles Chargers on the road in Week 3. Lose here and they are instantly two games back from the AFC West division lead. That’s the beginning of a long climb if it happens. It’s already a must-win situation for Denver.

Game Overview

Denver Broncos at Los Angles Chargers

Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 2:05 P.M. Mile High time

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California

ATS Betting Lines: Los Angeles -3

Moneyline Odds: Denver +130 / Los Angeles -154

Over/Under: 45.5

Note: All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Collectively, our Mile High Report staff is predicting a Broncos 22-21 road win over the Chargers in Week 3. The score prediction shows it was a mixed bag of results, so here is where we each landed individually on the score:

Chargers 23, Broncos 20

Until the Broncos prove they can win close games against playoff-caliber opponents, I’m no longer going to sip the Kool-Aid. They are 2-7 against teams in one-score games since the start of 2024 and two of those losses came against these very same Chargers. Their only wins against the hapless New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. They have got to figure this our or they’ll be a fringe .500 football team. - Tim Lynch

Chargers 27, Broncos 20

It’s only the third week of the season, but the Broncos and Chargers matchup on Sunday will be an important game for both. The Chargers are 2-0 and the Broncos are 1-1. The winner of this game will have an early lead in the AFC West. In order for the Broncos to win, they will have to play mistake free football on offense and limit Justin Herbert and their passing attack. That’s a tough ask on the road, and I’m not sure Denver can get the job done in Los Angeles. - Chris Hart

Broncos 27, Chargers 24

Last week’s game has obviously let doubt set in about how good this Broncos defense can be. But I’m sure there’s something they can figure out to get things going back in the right direction. And the offense saw a big boost to production, and the run game is looking as good as it has ever looked over the last decade. I’m optimistic about this week, and no Khalil Mack makes a big difference. - Ross Allen

Broncos 23, Chargers 17

As much as I respect Jim Harbaugh, I will never stop calling our away games at the Chargers our extra home game of the season. Broncos fans will be out in droves. Herbert will wilt under pressure per usual and the Broncos tie things up atop the AFC West. - Sadaraine

Broncos 24, Chargers 20

When a Week 3 game already has major playoff implications it adds fuel to the fire. This one is huge. The Chargers could take a big lead in the division by beating the Broncos. 3-0, all three division opponents, would give them a solid path to a division championship. That’s what makes this game so important for the Broncos. It’s not just keeping pace. It’s holding back a sprinting Chargers team. Coming off a bad loss to Indianapolis should act as motivation for Sean Payton to want to ensure that Denver is ready for this huge test. Chargers gonna Charger at some point. This should be the week. - Adam Malnati

Chargers 24, Broncos 23

Last I checked, Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are still the Broncos middle linebackers. I have no doubt that Denver will look to improve defensively after that showing against the Colts. I just have no faith in these two to improve from last week at all. It’l be a close, physical game, and it could go either way. I don’t see either team getting more than a TD lead on Sunday. But Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense will target the truly awful Singleton and Strnad to get the win. - Ian St. Clair

Broncos 17, Chargers 13

This is going to be a slugfest. The Bronco defense got embarrassed last week and will play well, but the Bronco offense will get stifled early as well. I predict a 10-7 Charger lead at the half and the Bronco will win by holding the Chargers to 3 points in the second half and going on a game-winning TD drive late in the 4th to take the lead for good. - Joe Mahoney

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