With a win against the Chargers on Monday Night Football, Denver can tie them atop the division at 3-3 while tilting both the head-to-head and divisional record in their favor.

On the other hand, a San Diego victory extends its first-place cushion to two games as both teams head into their bye week. The Chargers are aware of what’s at stake.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than this on Monday night,” San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said in a conference call on Thursday. “We’ve got a chance to play for a two-game lead at the bye, after six games. There’s still a lot of ball left after this, but obviously this is a huge game for both teams. From Denver’s standpoint, it would get us tied if they won the game. It’s obviously a huge game in the division, and I’m looking forward to it.”

If recent history is any indication, the Monday night showdown could be a battle to the very end. The teams’ last three contests have all been decided by five points or less. Most recently, the Broncos went to Qualcomm Stadium and left with a 16-13 overtime victory.