Denver @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 22, 2017 ) Denver 0, L.A. Chargers 21

The Los Angeles Chargers look to extend their winning streak to seven games when they host the AFC West-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Chargers' first contest at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. in 42 days will be against a Denver team that has suffered six setbacks in its last seven games.

Los Angeles has allowed an average of 13.2 points over its last five games while the offense has scored at least 20 in all nine contests this year. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers (21 touchdowns, four interceptions) is enjoying a stellar campaign, but he also is highly wary of Broncos pass rushers Von Miller (nine sacks) and Bradley Chubb (eight to lead all NFL rookies). "They are two really good rushers, really good football players," Rivers told reporters. "Von plays the heck out of the run. So does Chubb. Von's an every-down football player, Defensive Player of the Year-type guy. He's not just a pass rusher." Denver desperately needs a victory to have any chance of legitimately joining the wild-card race as it is just 1-5 in conference games.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chargers -7. O/U: 46.5

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (3-6): Miller has registered 15 career sacks against the Chargers - his highest total against any team - and notched two in last season's second meeting between the teams. Denver ranks 11th in total offense (377.1 yards per game) but is just 19th in scoring (22.8 points) as the decision to add quarterback Case Keenum (11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) as a free agent hasn't proven to be the solution. Phillip Lindsay leads all NFL rookies with 591 rushing yards and has gained 90 or more on three occasions.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (7-2): Star defensive end Joey Bosa (23 sacks in 28 NFL games) will be a game-time decision as he hopes to make his season debut after suffering a foot injury in August. "Until I'm done playing this year, I'll probably be experiencing soreness and discomfort," Bosa told reporters. "It's going to be pretty tough, but it's something you just have to manage with ice. ... It's something that I expect I'm going to have to be dealing with the rest of the year." Melvin Gordon is tied for fifth in the NFL with 672 rushing yards while starring on the offense along with Rivers (2,459 yards).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The teams split two meetings last season, with Denver's 21-0 setback on Oct. 22, 2017 marking its first shutout loss since 1992.

2. Denver ILB Brandon Marshall (knee) could miss his second straight game.

3. Los Angeles CB Desmond King has made a team-leading three interceptions and ranks sixth in the NFL in punt-return average (11.5 yards).

PREDICTION: Chargers 33, Broncos 14