WHO HAS THE EDGE? - The Denver Post

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

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Chargers head coach Brandon Staley says the result of the Ravens-Bengals game will impact whether his starters play against the Broncos on Sunday afternoon. KEITH BIRMINGHAM — PASADENA STAR-NEWS/ SCNG

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Quarterback

Russell Wilson ran for two TDs last week, but also threw another critical interception, which is becoming a trend. Justin Herbert has thrown 23 touchdowns to 10 interceptions this year. If he doesn’t play, Chase Daniel (2-3 in five career starts) is the backup. Edge: Chargers

Running back

The Broncos run game has been M.I.A. over the past couple weeks, but features Latavius Murray and Chase Edmonds. The Chargers have dual-threat force Austin Ekeler, an Eaton/Western State product who has 1,567 total yards and 18 total touchdowns. Edge: Chargers

Receiver/tight end

Jerry Jeudy has turned on the jets down the stretch of the season, with 35 catches over the last four games. Courtland Sutton has just one TD this year, way back in Week 4. The Chargers feature the trio of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer. Edge: Chargers

Offensive line

Denver’s banged-up offensive line gets another shakeup with left guard Dalton Risner on season-ending IR with an elbow injury. The Broncos have given up 23 sacks over the last four games. The Chargers have a premier center in Corey Linsley. Edge: Even

Defensive line

Mike Purcell (elbow/ankle) is nursing an injury on the Denver D-line already without Dre’Mont Jones (hip) and D.J. Jones (knee). DeShawn Williams has to step up. L.A. features All-Pro rusher Joey Bosa, who was hurt the last time the teams met. Edge: Even

Linebacker

Alex Singleton looks to polish off a career year at ILB alongside Josey Jewell. Singleton leads Denver with a career-high 152 tackles, while Jewell has 123. On the edge, Denver has zero sacks the last two games. Drue Tranquill leads L.A. with 136 tackles. Edge: Even

Secondary

Pat Surtain II, named the team’s MVP by the Denver media, is the Broncos’ lone Pro Bowler. Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson may be playing their last game together on the back end. Former Bronco Bryce Callahan leads the Rams with three picks. Edge: Broncos

Special teams

The Broncos special teams have ranged from mediocre to dreadful this year. Denver ranks last in kickoff return average (17.5). Brandon McManus is under 80% field goal percentage for the first time since 2017. Chargers punter JK Scott is a Mullen alum. Edge: Chargers