The Broncos head to San Diego looking to build on their recent dominance in this AFC West rivalry.

Denver owns a 42-35-1 advantage in this series and have had the upper hand in recent years, prevailing in 4 straight and 17 of the last 24 meetings dating back to 1987.

A year ago, the Broncos swept this divisional series for the second straight year. In Week 10 at Mile High Stadium, Broncos RB Terrell Davis ran for just 69 yards but QB Bubby Brister threw for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns (1 INT) as Denver cruised to a 27-10 triumph.

Three weeks later on a Sunday evening (ESPN) at Qualcomm Stadium (Week 13), Broncos QB John Elway threw for 239 yards and four touchdowns but was also picked off three times, while the Denver defense harassed since-departed Chargers QB Craig Whelihan (304 yards, 1 TD) into five interceptions as Mike Shanahans club completed the sweep, 31-16.

While the Broncos have prevailed in their last two road tilts in this rivalry, they are just 4-6 in their last 10 visits to San Diego (to play the Chargers) dating back to 1989.

Numbers: Including playoffs (1997-99), the Broncos are 34-3 when they total more rushing attempts than their opponent, 1-9 when Denver's opponent totals more rushing attempts. In their last 23 games dating back to '98 (9-14), four Chargers quarterbacks (Ryan Leaf, Erik Kramer and Jim Harbaugh, as well as since-departed Craig Whelihan) have combined to throw just 14 touchdown passes, while totaling 50 interceptions (12 INTs in their last 3 contests) and 23 fumbles. The Chargers have allowed 41 points in four wins, 92 points in three losses in '99. The Chargers have committed 27 turnovers in 21 wins, 110 turnovers in 34 losses since '96. They have been limited to 17 or fewer points in 19 of their last 26 games dating back to '97, and they have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in seven straight games. The Chargers have committed two or more turnovers in five straight games.

Things to look for: Just when it looked like the Broncos were getting ready to reverse their ugly fortunes, they suffered another heartbreaking loss and find themselves in the AFC West basement. The Chargers are more than familiar with that spot, and after a promising start seemed determined to play their way out of contention. They'll get little sympathy from Mike Shanahan's frustrated champions.

Etc.: The Broncos are 2-6 for the first time since finishing 2-7 during the strike-shortened season of 1982 under since-departed head coach Dan Reeves. Broncos are 2-6 for the first time in a non-strike season since 1972, when they finished 5-9 under since-departed head coach John Ralston. After going 3-5 vs. AFC West foes during his first season with Denver in 1995, Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan is 22-5 vs. divisional competition (including 1-0 in playoffs) since 1996. The Broncos are 3-8 in their last 11 regular-season contests dating back to '98.