The Los Angeles Chargers have a pivotal opportunity to seize control of the AFC West as they face the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium this Sunday afternoon. Following a significant victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil, and a road win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers are poised for a potential historic achievement in just the third week of the National Football League season.
BetMGM has positioned the Chargers as a three-point favorite against the 1-1 Broncos. A win would not only solidify their early lead in the division but also mark the first time since 2002 that the franchise has started a season with a 3-0 record. Notably, all three victories would come against divisional rivals, a feat that is rare in the NFL.
Historic Implications of a Win
Should the Chargers triumph over the Broncos, they would achieve a 3-0 record, comprising three wins against AFC West opponents. In a division that is expected to be fiercely competitive, this early success could provide a crucial advantage, especially since the Chargers will not face another divisional rival until after their bye week in late November.
The significance extends beyond just the current season. Before the appointment of head coach Jim Harbaugh ahead of the 2024 campaign, the Chargers last began a season with two consecutive wins in 2012. A victory against Denver would also break a long-standing franchise record, as the last time the Chargers won their first three AFC West games was in 1996.
Winning against division foes is not a common occurrence in the NFL. If the Chargers defeat the Broncos, they would become only the third team since the league expanded to 32 teams in 2002 to start a season with a 3-0 record that includes victories over all three divisional opponents.
Impact on Current Standings
The stakes are high for both teams. A win for Los Angeles would allow them to claim victories over all their division rivals this season and establish at least a one-game lead over the 1-1 Raiders, depending on their matchup against the Washington Commanders. Conversely, a loss would place both the Chargers and Broncos at 2-1, with Denver holding the early tiebreaker.
As the Chargers prepare for this crucial matchup, the outcome promises to have significant implications for their quest to dominate the AFC West. A win would not only enhance their current standing but also mark a momentous chapter in franchise history.
