The Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos meet Sunday in NFL action from Empower Field at Mile High. The 5-10 Chargers have lost three straight games, most recently to Buffalo back on Saturday. As for the Broncos, they’re 7-8 on the season following a loss to the Patriots in their latest appearance. Let’s get into our Chargers vs. Broncos prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Los Angeles Chargers 

The Chargers are just 1-6 in their last seven games and sitting on a three-game losing streak to the Broncos, Raiders and Bills. Part of Los Angeles’ issues stem from an ineffective offense that’s averaging a tepid 21.7 points per game this year. The Chargers have struggled on the ground specifically with just 95.9 yards per game and 11 total rush touchdowns. 

In their latest matchup with Buffalo on Saturday, the Chargers were at least able to stay in the game. Los Angeles outscored the Bills 12-10 in the second half but still came up short in a 24-22 defeat. Easton Stick threw for 215 yards on 23-of-33 passing, while Austin Ekeler rushed for a team-high 65 yards on 15 carries. 

Los Angeles Chargers Team Facts

• The favorites have won each of the Chargers’ last 11 Week 17 games.
• The Chargers have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as road underdogs before a Division game.
• The favorites have won the first half in each of the Chargers’ last nine Week 17 games.
• The Chargers have scored the first touchdown in six of their last seven Week 17 games.
• The Chargers have won the first quarter in three of their last four December games as road underdogs against AFC opponents.

Denver Broncos 

Over on the Broncos’ side, they started out at 1-5 this year but have gone a solid 5-3 since then. The losses to the Texans, Lions and Patriots have all come in the last four games, though. Denver’s offense is contributing 21.8 points per game on average so far with 187.5 yards per game, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions coming via the pass. 

Back on Sunday versus the Patriots, the Broncos gave up 20 points in the third quarter alone. Despite some late life from there, Denver took the close loss 26-23. QB Russell Wilson contributed 238 yards with two scores, and Marvin Mims led the receivers on 63 yards from three catches. 

Denver Broncos Team Facts

• The Broncos have lost five of their last six December games as favorites against AFC opponents.
• The Broncos have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 11 games as favorites against AFC West opponents.
• The Broncos have won the first quarter in each of their last seven games at Empower Field at Mile High.
• The favorites have won the first half in 10 of the Broncos’ last 11 Week 17 games.
• The Broncos have scored the first touchdown in each of their last four home games against AFC opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Broncos rank 1st in the NFL in fumbles recovered this season (14).
• The Broncos rank 1st in the NFL in average punt return this season (17.4 yards).
• The Chargers rank 32nd in the NFL in Q3 win percentage this season (13.3).
• The Chargers rank 2nd in the NFL in fumbles recovered this season (12)

ANDREW’S FREE CHARGERS VS BRONCOS PREDICTION

I’ll probably just stay with the Broncos. Outside of the rivalry, there’s not a lot to get excited about in this one—but it should at least be a competitive game. Denver is coming off a weird matchup against the Patriots, losing by three despite holding New England to just 12 first downs and 3-of-13 on third-down opportunities. The offense has been pretty sluggish lately—even when the Broncos were winning—with 24 or fewer points in 10 of the last 11 games. 

As for the Chargers, they’ve given up 24 or more points in three straight games after allowing a combined 20 to Baltimore and New England in consecutive games. Los Angeles posted two turnovers and 283 yards of offense (207 passing) the last time these teams met up in a 24-7 Chargers loss on December 10. I think this one will be similar as Denver powers out the cover. I’m probably not touching it, though.