Denver Broncos (9-5) vs. LA Chargers (8-6)
December 19, 2024 8:15 pm EDT
The Line: LA Chargers -3; Over/Under: +42
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers meet Thursday in week 16 NFL action at SoFi Stadium. Here’s a LA Chargers vs Denver Broncos Prediction. This article will include a LA Chargers vs Denver Broncos Pick.
Denver Broncos Betting Preview
The Denver Broncos beat the Browns and Colts, and they play the Bengals next. The Denver Broncos have won 4 of their last 6 road games. Bo Nix is completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 2,972 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Courtland Sutton and Devaughn Vele have combined for 1,255 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Marvin Mims Jr. has 23 receptions.
The Denver Broncos ground game is averaging 108.4 yards per contest, and Javonte Williams leads the way with 461 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Denver is allowing 17.6 points and 315.3 yards per game. Brandon Jones leads the Denver Broncos with 91 tackles, Nik Bonitto has 11.5 sacks and Pat Surtain II has 4 interceptions.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Chiefs and Buccaneers, and they play the Patriots next. The Los Angeles Chargers have won 4 of their last 7 home games. Justin Herbert is completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 2,959 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Ladd McConkey and Joshua Palmer have combined for 1,375 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Quentin Johnston has 34 receptions.
The Los Angeles Chargers ground game is averaging 105.8 yards per contest, and Gus Edwards leads the way with 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Los Angeles is allowing 17.6 points and 336.7 yards per game. Daiyan Henley leads the Los Angeles Chargers with 131 tackles, Tuli Tuipulotu has 7.5 sacks and Tarheeb Still has 4 interceptions.
Why the Denver Broncos will win
- The Chargers have lost each of their last six December games against AFC West opponents.
- The underdogs have won each of the Broncos’ last three Week 16 games.
- The Chargers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine home games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Broncos have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games.
- The Broncos have won the first half in seven of their last eight games against the Chargers following a win.
- The Chargers have lost the first quarter in four of their last five games as home favorites against AFC opponents.
Los Angeles Chargers Player Prop Facts
- Gus Edwards has scored at least one touchdown in each of his last five appearances in night games against teams with a winning record.
- Josh Palmer has recorded 36+ receiving yards in 11 of his last 12 appearances against AFC West opponents.
- Gus Edwards has recorded 36+ rushing yards in seven of his last eight December appearances against AFC opponents.
- Gus Edwards has recorded 70+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his five previous Week 16 appearances.
- Marcus Maye is just one away from 10 career interceptions.
Denver Broncos Player Prop Facts
- Courtland Sutton has scored a touchdown in five of the Broncos’ last six games as underdogs against AFC West opponents.
- Bo Nix has thrown two touchdowns in each of the Broncos’ last four games against AFC West opponents.
- Bo Nix has recorded 23+ rushing yards in three of the Broncos’ last four games following a home win.
- Courtland Sutton has recorded 70+ receiving yards in six of the Broncos’ last seven games.
- Bo Nix has recorded 273+ passing yards in three of the Broncos’ last four games.
- Courtland Sutton has scored the last touchdown in three of the Broncos’ last four games following a home win.
- Javonte Williams has recorded 70+ rushing and receiving yards in six of the Broncos’ last seven games as road underdogs against AFC opponents.
- Heading into Week 16, Nik Bonitto is the only player in the NFL to record 10+ sacks and an interception this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 16, the Chargers rank T1st in the NFL in points allowed per game (17.6) this season.
- Heading into Week 16, the Chargers rank T1st in the NFL in Q2 opponent points per game (4.3) this season.
- Heading into Week 16, the Broncos rank T1st in the NFL in points allowed per game (17.6) this season.
- Heading into Week 16, the Broncos rank 1st in the NFL in sacks (49.0) this season.
LA Chargers vs Denver Broncos Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers are given the edge by oddsmakers because they’re at home with short rest. However, the Chargers are coming off back to back losses, and the second half of last week was ugly. The Chargers cant run the ball, and it puts pressure on Herbert, which then puts the defense behind the eight-ball when the offense can’t string together drives. It doesn’t get any easier here, with the Broncos being eighth in total defense and second in scoring defense. The Broncos are capable of winning this game outright. Give me the free field goal.
