In this article we will formulate a Broncos vs Chargers prediction for this NFL game on Sunday, January 4th at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 18 matchup.
Denver Broncos Betting Preview
The Denver Broncos are 13-3 this season after they defeated Kansas City by a score of 20-13 in their last game. Denver trailed 7-6 at halftime and 10-6 in the third quarter, but they scored 14 of the last 17 points to rally for the victory. The Broncos out gained KC by a total of 303-139, went 11-18 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Bo Nix went 26-38 for 182 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while RJ Harvey rushed 14 times for 43 yards. Courtland Sutton led the receivers with four catches for 40 yards in the win.
Prior to that game, Denver lost to the Jaguars by a score of 34-20, but did beat the Packers by a score of 34-26 before that. The Broncos have won 12 of their last 13 games and they have clinched the AFC West standings. Denver has scored 23.9 points per game with 230.2 passing yards and 118.9 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 19.3 points against per game this season. Bo Nix has thrown for 3,790 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while Courtland Sutton has 73 receptions for 1,012 yards and seven scores. RJ Harvey has rushed 131 times for 512 yards and seven scores this season.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Chargers are 11-5 this year after they lost to Houston by a score of 20-16 in their last game. Los Angeles cut the deficit to 14-3 in the second quarter and 17-10 in the third, but they allowed a field goal with about six minutes left to seal the loss. The Chargers were out gained by a total of 362-275, went 6-15 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Justin Herbert went 21-32 for 236 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also rushing six times for 37 yards. Quentin Johnston led the receivers with five catches for 98 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Los Angeles defeated the Cowboys by a score of 34-17 and the Chiefs by a score of 16-13. The Chargers have won four of their last five games and they are currently second in the AFC West standings. Los Angeles has scored 22.8 points per game with 219.0 passing yards and 122.1 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 20.1 points against per game this season. Justin Herbert and a few other starters will not play in this game, so we should see Trey Lance under center.
Why the Denver Broncos will win
- The Broncos have won 12 of their last 13 games.
- The Chargers have lost each of their last 10 games as heavy underdogs (>+7.0 points).
- The Broncos have covered the spread in each of their last eight games as favorites without Alex Singleton.
- The Chargers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three road games without Will Dissly.
- The Broncos have won the first half in eight of their last nine games against the Chargers following a win.
- The Chargers have won the first quarter in each of their last four games as heavy underdogs (>+7.0 points).
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Chargers’ last seven road games in January have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Broncos’ last nine games as home favorites following a win have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of the last five games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total points line.
Denver Broncos Player Prop Facts
- Bo Nix has recorded 23+ completions in each of the Broncos’ last six games.
- Bo Nix has recorded 212+ passing yards in seven of the Broncos’ last eight Sunday games.
- RJ Harvey has scored at least one touchdown in seven of the Broncos’ last eight Sunday games.
- Bo Nix has recorded 15+ rushing yards in eight of the Broncos’ last 10 Sunday games as favorites.
- Troy Franklin has recorded 19+ receiving yards in each of the Broncos’ last eight home games.
- Heading into Week 18, Bo Nix ranks 1st amongst qualified players for sack percentage (3.0%) this season.
Los Angeles Chargers Player Prop Facts
- Ladd McConkey has scored a touchdown in each of the Chargers’ last four games following a loss.
- Quentin Johnston has recorded 48+ receiving yards in seven of his last eight regular season road appearances.
- Quentin Johnston has recorded 48+ rushing and receiving yards in seven of his last eight regular season road appearances.
- Heading into Week 18, Cameron Dicker ranks 3rd in the NFL in made field goals (37) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Broncos – 15 different players have recorded 1.0 sacks or more in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
- Heading into Week 18, the Broncos rank 1st in the NFL in sacks (64.0) this season.
- Chargers – two different players have recorded 80+ rushing yards in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
- Chargers – two different players have recorded 90+ rushing yards in a game this season – equal-most in the NFL, heading into Week 18.
Broncos vs Chargers Prediction
Denver comes into this matchup needing a win to lock up the one seed in the AFC, while Los Angeles is going to wave the white flag and rest their starters. The Broncos are 7-1 at home this year and while they struggle to put teams away, they have been great at winning close games. Los Angeles will be starting Trey Lance at quarterback, which will be interesting, but I just don’t see how he is going to play well with their offensive line issues. Denver hasn’t covered a number like this very often, but I expect a statement win here. Take the Broncos.
David Racey is 109-88 (55%) in the NFL this season and is one of the top NFL cappers on the NFL Leaderboard. Click here for his premium plays for this week!