Denver’s Mile High showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday carries more than just AFC playoff implications — it comes under a Fire Weather Watch that could complicate the day for fans and teams alike.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., warm temperatures, gusty winds, and critically low humidity will elevate fire risk across the region, according to AccuWeather. Afternoon humidity is expected to drop to just 13%, with winds gusting up to 18 mph under mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will peak near 69 degrees before falling into the 50s after 6 p.m.
On the field, Denver controls its own destiny in the race for the AFC’s top playoff seed. A win over the Chargers at 2:25 p.m. on CBS would give the Broncos the No. 1 seed outright, securing a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
If the game ends in a tie, Denver still claims the top spot as long as New England loses or ties. Even a loss wouldn’t immediately eliminate Denver’s hopes—both New England and Jacksonville would need to falter for the Broncos to rise to the top.
Denver enters the game with some key injuries to navigate. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Karene Reid are ruled out with hamstring injuries, while defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is questionable with a hip injury. Tight end Nate Adkins (knee), wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion), and guard Ben Powers (biceps) are also dealing with issues but have no official game status.
The Chargers are managing an extensive injury list of their own. Running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) and cornerback Nikko Reed (hamstring) are ruled out, while cornerback Elijah Molden and guard Jamaree Salyer are doubtful.
Five other Chargers, including RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) and CB Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder), are listed as questionable but participated fully in Friday’s practice. Key players such as Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Derwin James, and Khalil Mack are expected to play.
With playoff positioning on the line and challenging weather conditions in Denver, Sunday’s clash promises to test both teams’ resilience.
The Broncos, holding multiple paths to the top seed, must balance performance and roster management under a blazing sun and gusty winds—conditions that could prove as pivotal as the game itself.