The Denver Broncos open up their season at home on Monday Night Football as just 3.5 point favorites over the rival Los Angeles Chargers. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. Mile High time on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

Nearly every major media outlet thinks the Chargers are going to be a good football team in 2016, while they consistently put the Broncos in the cellar. Forgive me, but the fading of the Broncos defense is something that continues to annoy and confuse me. Even Pro Football Focus has the Chargers winning this game straight-up 21-20.

If the Broncos lose this game at home, under the bright lights of prime time, then we’re likely in for a very long and very disappointing season. This is the kind of game playoff teams just don’t lose.