This Game Could Keep the Broncos From Making the Playoffs

The new-look Broncos will look to build on their 7-9 season last year and try to make a run at the playoffs. With young playmakers, including Drew Lock, Cortland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Bradley Chubb, paired with veteran stars like Von Miller, Melvin Gordon, and Jurrell Casey, the Broncos look ready to challenge for a playoff spot in 2020.

There is one game on their recently-released schedule that may be necessary to win if Denver has the postseason on their mind. The Broncos finish their season off with three games vs. AFC opponents, and there will be no bigger game than going to Los Angeles to play the Chargers in Week 16.

Even though Los Angeles struggled last season in a "worst-case scenario" year, they did win a playoff game back in 2018, and have a quality roster eyeing a return to success. This game will be pivotal for both teams, and if the Broncos lose, they could be headed back to the Mile High City without a playoff berth.

A loss here wouldn't just be one to a rival. It could be one that allows another team to jump Denver, due to a tiebreaker. With both AFC West outfits likely fighting for a Wild Card, this is close to do-or-die.

As Denver maps out their path to a return to the postseason in 2020, they'd better circle the Week 16 game vs. the Chargers. No matter how confident they feel heading into the season's back half, it's quite likely LA will be keeping pace with them, and this matchup should determine everything about who rests atop the Wild Card.