The Chargers will debut at home against an AFC West division rival for the third straight week, hosting the Denver Broncos in NFL Week 3 at 4:05 p.m. ET.
We'll break down our Broncos vs. Chargers prediction for NFL Week 3 below, plus the top player picks on PrizePicks real money NFL game, including Herbert, WR Quentin Johnston, and Broncos QB Bo Nix.
The Chargers won both matchups vs. the Broncos last year, one a memorable Thursday night game that included a rare “Fair Catch” field goal by Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker. The game will feature Broncos QB Bo Nix facing Chargers QB Justin Herbert in a battle for first place in the AFC West.
Use this Broncos vs. Chargers analysis to get in on the real money action on PrizePicks — pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in when you're right.
🏈 PLAY $5, GET $50 Instantly in Lineups for your NFL Week 3 Picks → Use PrizePicks Promo Code PLAYBOOK
Broncos vs. Chargers Prediction, Preview for Week 3
Denver Broncos Preview
After opening up the season with a win over the rookie QB Cam Ward and the Titans, the Broncos fell to Daniel Jones and the Colts on a walk-off FG after a controversial penalty. The Broncos were flagged for leverage on the center, allowing the Colts a second shot.
The Broncos defense has showed signs of regression after lofty expectations following their 2024 campaign after giving up 29 points to the Giants next week. However, the underlying metrics still support the Broncos having one of the best defenses in football, ranking 1st in success rate (36.7%) and third in EPA per play (-.118), per rbsdm.
This is the Broncos first AFC West game of the season and the only one until November. They host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night next week, so they'll get some additional rest after this game.
Los Angeles Chargers Preview
In 2024, under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers swept the season series with the Broncos. Prior to last season, the Chargers had not swept the season series since 2010.
The Chargers are looking for their first 3-0 start since starting 4-0 back in 2002. The Chargers defense has led the way, third in the NFL in scoring defense (15.0), 7th in total defense (282.5 yards), and 1st in red zone defense.
After hosting the Broncos, the Chargers get a break from divisional play and play two NFC East teams in the Giants and Commanders the next two weeks.
Broncos vs. Chargers Picks for NFL DFS & PrizePicks
Here are three Broncos vs. Chargers picks for Sunday for PrizePicks real money NFL DFS game, including Chargers QB Justin Herbert and WR Quentin Johnston, and Broncos QB Bo Nix.
Pick More or Less on these projections on PrizePicks — plus thousands more projections — to win real money this NFL season.
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston Projection: 43.5 Receiving Yards
- Chargers WR Quentin Johnston has 70-plus receiving yards in his last three regular season games, along with 3 TDs.
- Johnson has played on 82% and 76% of the Chargers snaps in the first two games this year.
- In two games against the Broncos last season, Johnston had 3 catches for 22 yards and 3 catches for 19 yards.
- Johnston had seven targets in each of the Chargers' first two games.
- The Broncos gave up five 40+ yard receiving games to the Colts passing game targets — including three to WRs.
- The Chargers lead the league in WR target distribution at 82%, per nflelo.
Broncos QB Bo Nix Projection: 217.5 Pass Yards
- Broncos 2nd-year QB Bo Nix lost both his starts against the Chargers last season.
- In the first game, he threw for 216 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT.
- In the rematch, he threw for 263 yards with 2 TD and 0 INT.
- Nix is averaging 191 yards per game with 4 TD and 3 INT this season through two games.
- Although the Broncos have the sixth highest pass-rate over expectation, per nflelo, Nix has the second lowest average depth of target at 5.1 yards — showing a tendency to be ultra conservative with playcalling.
🏈 PLAY $5, GET $50 Instantly in Lineups → Use PrizePicks Promo Code PLAYBOOK
Chargers QB Justin Herbert Projection: 251.5 Passing Yards
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert is 5-4 in nine career games against the Broncos.
- In those nine games, he has averaged 244.3 passing yards per game with 13 pass TDs and 7 INTs.
- Herbert is averaging 280 pass yards per game with 5 TD and 0 INT this season.
- The Chargers have dramatically shifted their game plan from last year, going pass first. That's reflected in their +14.8% pass-rate over expectation — tops in the league by over 7%.
- Despite the propensity to pass, Herbert is averaging 9.2 yards per attempt, ranking second behind only Daniel Jones.
Make Broncos vs. Chargers Picks on PrizePicks
Which AFC West team will take control of the division through three weeks? This Broncos vs. Chargers game will decide that.
The Chargers look to go 3-0 — all in the division — by defending their home turf in their 2025 home debut with a new-look, pass-friendly offense. The Broncos will try to rebound from last week’s last-second loss to the Colts.
As the NFL season moves into Week 3, there's no better place to get real money action with your NFL predictions than on PrizePicks.
Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stat projections, and win real money when you're right at on PrizePicks.
Stay locked on the Playbook during the 2025 NFL season for more NFL predictions for your PrizePicks and NFL DFS Lineups.
