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The Chargers are resting starters against Denver in Week 18, but there are still plenty of storylines to follow with Los Angeles on Sunday.
Here's a few to keep an eye on.
Andre James at center
Chargers fans have been clamoring for James to get a chance to start at center in place of Bradley Bozeman ever since LA signed the former Raider in March. But the Chargers held a competition between Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson at the pivot point instead, then backed Bozeman even as the veteran has struggled again in his second season on the squad. Denver is expected to play their starters in pursuit of the no. 1 seed in the AFC, so James will have his shot to show why who starts in the Wild Card round next week should at least be a conversation.
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Potential paydays
The Chargers have two defensive players with contract incentives on the line on Sunday. Linebacker Troy Dye needs one sack to earn a $75,000 bonus, while cornerback Benjamin St-Juste needs an interception to earn the same. St-Juste has been limited this week with a shoulder injury, but Dye is expected to start with Denzel Perryman out for another week due to a two-game suspension.
Quarterback run game
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has already announced that quarterback Justin Herbert will not play on Sunday, which means LA will start Trey Lance against a strong Broncos defense. Lance is well-known for his rushing ability and will likely affect the game in that way on Sunday. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has shied away from the designed QB run game with Herbert this season, but has those plays in his bag from his time coordinating Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. If Lance finds some running room Sunday, LA could keep those plays in their back pocket for a potential playoff rematch with Denver as soon as next week.
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Deep defense
Jesse Minter's defense entered Week 17 as the top unit in the league at defending the deep pass, but the Chargers gave up two long passing touchdowns in the first quarter against Houston and quickly got into a 14-0 hole they could not climb out of. When LA played Denver the first time this season, in Week 3, the Broncos had a few of those opportunities but suffered from a few poorly placed throws by quarterback Bo Nix. With Nix playing well over the last few weeks, the Chargers will need to show they've tightened things up on the back end.
Ascending rookie back
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton has been excellent for the Chargers this season, but he has not practiced this week with an ankle injury. On the other side of the ball, Los Angeles will have to account for fellow rookie RJ Harvey, who has stepped into a lead role in recent weeks after an injury to JK Dobbins. Harvey has scored a touchdown in each of Denver's last five games and has touched the ball at least 12 times in each of the Broncos' last six games after only receiving five touches in Week 3 against LA.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: What should Chargers fans watch for in Week 18 game vs. Broncos?
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