National Football League

Bolts try not to fall too far behind Broncos

Published Oct. 19, 2009 11:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Diego Chargers don't want to call their showdown with the Denver Broncos a must-win game.

The certainly know it's a can't-lose game.

The Chargers were built up in preseason as a Super Bowl favorite, capable of wrapping up their fourth straight AFC West title by Thanksgiving. Denver certainly hasn't been cooperating with that scenario, jumping to the division lead at 5-0 while watching the Chargers stumble to a 2-2 start.

An intense rivalry is renewed Monday night at Qualcomm Stadium.