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The up-and-down Chargers can't string together wins. One week they're great; the next week they're awful. They beat Philadelphia 27-24, then they lost to Minnesota 27-20, then they beat Pittsburgh 41-37, and then they lost Sunday to the Broncos 28-13. One need that is apparent is someone to step up at running back. When Austin Ekeler was in the concussion protocol, there was nobody to fill in. On the season, Justin Jackson has 14 carries for 103 yards, and Larry Rountree III has 36 carries for 87 yards. QB Justin Herbert is their second-best rusher with 243 yards. He need options. They might make the playoffs, but it is iffy for them to go far. -- Shelley Smith

The same issues continue to crop up for the Chargers, who have lost four of six after their latest setback to the Broncos. The defense can't stop the run or make game-changing plays, and the offense is painfully inconsistent. The Bolts continued their trend of playing poorly after a win, and an offensive line compromised by injuries has been exposed by a roll call of veteran defensive-minded coaches. Justin Herbert isn't blameless: He missed open receivers and threw two costly interceptions, but the talented second-year QB isn't getting enough help. After a 4-1 start to the season, the Chargers have looked like an average team. This just might be what they are.

They looked awful on offense for most of the game against the Broncos. Their system is hurting Justin Herbert. Set him free.

Bolts are starting to skew Buffalo West ... which is to say a little too reliant on QB Justin Herbert to carry all phases of the offense.

Problem area: Offensive line production. Yes, still. Rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater has been a standout, but injuries and a lack of depth across the rest of the line have made the unit a major liability. Quarterback Justin Herbert is athletic enough to escape some pressure, but the Broncos' ability to generate consistent pressure Sunday led to one of Herbert's worst outings of the season (he threw two interceptions, including a pick six). With the Chargers in a precarious position in the AFC playoff race, they must find ways to better protect Herbert in coming weeks.