The Denver Broncos (9-5) visit their AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6). While neither team can catch the Chiefs in the division, they can still boost their playoff seeding. Our Broncos vs Chargers prediction is that underdog Denver will cover the 3-point spread.
Head-to-head, Denver has the advantage with a record of 73-56-1.
Offshore Odds: Los Angeles is Favored by 3 at Home
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | +3 (-110) | +136 | O 42 (-110) |
| Chargers | -3 (-110) | -156 | U 42 (-110) |
LA Has a Scheduling Advantage Over Denver
After the Chargers won seven of their first 10 under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, they have hit the skids, losing three of four to fall behind surprising Denver in the division and Wild Card race.
Though the Chargers were better than the record they accrued under former head coach Brandon Staley, there is always a transition period with a new coach and a different philosophy. But Harbaugh’s strict adherence to team-oriented play and hard-hitting reaped benefits on and off the field.
Injuries have decimated them. Quarterback Justin Herbert is beaten up and is currently dealing with an ankle sprain. They are without top running back J.K. Dobbins. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a lingering knee problem.
The 40-17 blowout loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday had some ancillary benefit in a “lemonade out of lemons” way. Near the end of the game, they rested Herbert, McConkey, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa before their Thursday night tilt.
Regardless of the outcome against Denver, LA’s final two games are against New England and Las Vegas. If they win both, their playoff spot is assured.
The Broncos Are Scorching Hot
The Broncos have won four straight to leapfrog LA into second place in the AFC West. But for a blocked game-winning field goal attempt against Kansas City, it would be five straight. They are tied with Baltimore in the Wild Card standings, but the Ravens have the head-to-head advantage after a 41-10 win in Week 9.
Denver might be the most intriguing team in the NFL playoffs. Their defense is adept at stopping the run and they lead the league in sacks. They are fourth in interceptions. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix is improving every week. They are precisely the type of team that scores major postseason upsets on the road and is suddenly and unexpectedly in the Championship Game.
Sean Payton’s team is arriving early and they’re remarkably healthy, not just for late in the season, but overall.
Their current problem is the schedule. They play LA, Cincinnati, and Kansas City. But considering how they’ve met every challenge this season, it’s unwise to automatically think LA will pass them based on upcoming matchups.
Broncos vs Chargers Prediction: Expect a Hard-Fought, Close Game
LA is injury-riddled and Denver is playing extremely well. Still, the game is more important to Denver than it is to LA. The teams will battle to the end with Denver keeping the score within three.
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