August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh (hc) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Chargers are poised for a significant moment in their season as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos on September 24, 2023, at SoFi Stadium. This matchup presents the Chargers with an opportunity to secure a 3-0 start, a feat that could set the tone for their campaign in the competitive AFC West division.
After starting the season with a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil, and following it up with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers are currently favored by three points against the 1-1 Broncos, according to BetMGM. A win on Sunday would not only solidify their divisional dominance but also rewrite portions of the franchise’s history.
Significance of a Potential Win
Should the Chargers emerge victorious, they would achieve a 3-0 record, with all wins coming against divisional rivals. This could prove crucial in a division where tiebreakers often play a pivotal role. The Chargers will not face another AFC West opponent until after their bye week in late November, making the early advantage even more beneficial.
Historically, the Chargers have not started a season 3-0 since 2002, and prior to the hiring of current head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team last enjoyed a 2-0 start in 2012. Winning against the Broncos would mark the first time since 1996 that they have triumphed in their first three AFC West games of the season. Achieving this would place the Chargers among an elite group, as only two teams since the NFL expanded to 32 teams in 2002 have started their season with a 3-0 record that includes victories over all their divisional foes.
Implications for the AFC West Standings
The stakes are high for both teams on Sunday. A win for the Chargers would give them victories over all their division rivals this season, establishing at least a one-game lead over the 1-1 Raiders, depending on their game against the Washington Commanders. Additionally, it would provide a two-game cushion over the Broncos, who currently stand at 1-1.
Conversely, if the Chargers were to lose, they would fall to 2-1, leaving them tied with the Broncos, who would hold the tiebreaker due to their head-to-head record. This makes the outcome of Sunday’s game critical not only for the current standings but also for the Chargers’ ambitions in the AFC West.
As the Chargers prepare for this pivotal game, the implications for franchise history and their current position in the division create a sense of urgency. The opportunity to not only grab control of the AFC West but also to make history is within reach for the Los Angeles Chargers.
