On the heels of their bye week, the Denver Broncos now look ahead to a pivotal Week 12 home clash against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Broncos' last game before their bye week was one to forget, as they came away with a 17-point home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Denver's inability to slow down Philadelphia's rush offense marred the team’s struggles on the day, as the Eagles recorded 216 rushing yards.

On the other side, the Chargers come into this game in promising form. They picked up a crucial home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. Although they blew a 17-point lead in the second half, a 53-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Justin Herbert to wide receiver Mike Williams in the fourth quarter was just enough to hold off the Steelers in the end.

If the Broncos aspire to remain in contention in the AFC West, then they need to secure a home win over the Chargers this week. And if they hit on each of these four feats, the team should then do just that.

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Broncos Week 12 predictions

4. Melvin Gordon has a standout performance against his former team

Running back Melvin Gordon shined for five seasons during his run with the Chargers before he opted to join the Broncos in free agency ahead of the 2020 season.

Gordon is yet to have a statement performance against his former team. In two games against the Chargers last season, he amounted to 105 rushing yards and zero total touchdowns.

This contest may be just the opportune time for Gordon to have a stout showing in such a matchup considering that the Chargers come into Week 12 with a 145.1 rushing yards allowed per game average this season, which ranks at 32nd in the NFL.

Gordon dealt with a shoulder injury last week, although he wound up featuring in all three of the team's scheduled practice sessions. Nonetheless, he must make the most out of each and every touch, whether it will be in rush attempts or in passing plays out of the backfield.

3. Broncos finally have their way on third downs

Something will have to give in this matchup between the Broncos and Chargers.

The Broncos come into this game with a 34.6 percent third down conversion percentage, which ranks at 27th in the league. On the other hand, the Chargers defense has had plenty of struggles of its own in picking up crucial stops on third downs. The Chargers defense has allowed a 46.8 percent third down conversion percentage, which is the second-worst mark in the league behind only the Washington Football Team (53.0 percent).

Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur surely must have addressed the team's woes on third downs over the recent bye week. This area of play may be an X-factor for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and company in Week 12.

2. Patrick Surtain II bolsters resume for the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award

There were plenty of question marks surrounding the Broncos' decision to take former Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the No. 9 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft considering that they already bolster stout depth at the position. But through 10 games in the campaign, Surtain simply continues to shine.

The rookie cornerback has been a go-to defensive back for the Broncos. He has played in 100 percent of snaps in five games this season, which include the recent home contest against the Eagles.

Surtain's prowess as a physical cornerback sure has been on display this year. Overall, he has been targeted 61 times while in coverage, which ranks most among all Broncos defensive backs. He has allowed a mere 30 completions to go along with a 76.5 passer rating.

Even as Surtain continues to be challenged week after week, he is still showcasing that he sure has what it takes to soon be a No. 1 cornerback option for Denver.

It is not known on just who Surtain will clash with in Week 12. But whether it will be Keenan Allen or Mike Williams, he must once again post a formidable performance in coverage in order to help slow down the balanced offense of the Chargers.

1. Broncos get back in the AFC West race with a win in Week 12

As the Las Vegas Raiders picked up a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving and the first place Kansas City Chiefs are on their bye week, the Broncos need a win over the Chargers to keep pace in the AFC West race. And they should do just that with Gordon, Surtain and Bridgewater all leading the way in a potent collective showing.