Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions, Odds, Picks
The Denver Broncos (7-8) will travel this week to take on the Los Angeles Chargers (8-7). Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET at SoFi stadium in Inglewood, California and can be viewed on FOX.
Score Prediction
Chargers 23, Broncos 17
Best Bets
Broncos +8 (-110) at Westgate SuperBook
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions
The Denver Broncos will look to snap a two-game losing streak after getting beat by the Raiders, 17-13. The Broncos have a very slim amount of hope left when it comes to the playoffs, but hey in the year 2021 anything is possible. QB Drew Lock is expected to get the start again this week as Teddy Bridgewater is still working back from a concussion he suffered against the Bengals.
The Los Angeles Chargers are in a must win situation. Having lost their last two games, they now find themselves with a tougher road to the playoffs. A win this week along with losses by Miami and Baltimore would put the Chargers back into a wild-card spot.
In the first meeting between these teams the Broncos won 28-13. I do think the Chargers will win this game and eventually end up in a wild card spot. However, in a week 17 divisional matchup I do think this game will be close. Taking the points and backing the Broncos here.
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Resources
- Matchup: AFC West
- Date: Sunday, January 2, 2022
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Location: Inglewood, California
- TV-Time: CBS - 4:05 p.m. ET
Denver Broncos Betting Analysis
Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)
- SU: 7-8
- ATS: 7-8
- O/U: 3-12
- ATS - Away: 3-4
Denver is just 1-4 ATS in their last five games on the road. The Broncos have had success against the Chargers, going 7-3 ATS and SU in their last 10 matchups. The total has gone over just three times on the season, not surprising for how good the defense has been playing. The total has also seen the under in five of the past five road games Denver has played against L.A.
The Broncos offense ranks middle of the road compared to the rest of the league. Headed into this matchup they are averaging 329 total YPG (19th), 212.3 passing YPG (19th), 116.7 rushing YPG (13th), and 19.9 PPG (23rd). Expect the Broncos to run their usual game plan. Short yard throws, tough runs, and eat the clock up. The Broncos will not win a shootout, so the offense relies on the defense most games.
Denver’s defense ranks as one of the best in the league. Entering this week, they are allowing 320.9 total YPG (6th), 210.7 passing YPG (5th), 110.2 rushing YPG (13th), and 17.3 PPG (1st). If the Broncos win this game they will do so on defense. Put pressure on QB Justin Herbert and force him to make a couple mistakes. In their first meeting, the Broncos forced Herbert to throw two picks.
Los Angeles Chargers Betting Analysis
Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)
- SU: 8-7
- ATS: 7-8
- O/U: 8-7
- ATS - Home: 3-5
Los Angeles is 2-5 ATS in their last seven games, and just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. L.A. is 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five games against Denver. The total has gone over in five of the last six home games for L.A., but has gone under in six of the last eight games against Denver.
The Chargers offense has been on fire for most of the season. Averaging 390.2 total YPG (4th), 280.5 passing YPG (4th), 109.7 rushing YPG (18th), and 27.2 PPG (8th). Herbert will look to clean things up a bit after throwing 3 INTs in his past two outings. Although they have lost the last two games, the blame cannot be on the offense, who put up point totals of 28 and 29.
The defense for the Chargers is the reason for most of the team's losses on the season. To this point they are allowing 363.8 total YPG (22nd), 223.5 passing YPG (12th), 140.3 rushing YPG (29th), and 27.4 PPG (31st). The defense will need focus on stopping the run and limiting points. They have struggled to keep teams out of the end-zone which is a major problem for a team looking to sneak into the playoffs.
The home team has covered the spread in four straight games between Denver and Los Angeles. (AP)
Inside the Stats - Denver Broncos
- Record: 7-8
- Division Standing: 4th - AFC West
- Points Scored: 298
- Points Allowed: 260
- PS/G: 19.9 (23rd)
- PA/G: 17.3 (1st)
Inside the Stats - Los Angeles Chargers
- Record: 8-7
- Division Standing: 2nd - AFC West
- Points Scored: 408
- Points Allowed: 411
- PS/G: 27.2 (8th)
- PA/G: 27.4 (31st)
Key Players to Watch
- DEN: Drew Lock - QB (37/62, 380 yards, TD, 2 INT)
- DEN: Javonte Williams - RB (177 carries, 827 yards, 4 TD)
- LAC: Justin Herbert - QB (387/577, 4,394 yards, 33 TD, 14 INT)
- LAC: Keenan Allen - WR (96 catches, 1,042 yards, 5 TD)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Conclusion
After losing the last two games, the Chargers will come out firing with the playoffs on the line. The defense will need to step it up if they want to win this game. If they are able to limit the Broncos points, the offense should be able to handle the rest.
The Bronco's defense has been too solid to bet against. As stated before, I do think the Chargers win this game, but Denver’s defense should keep it close enough for a cover. If they are able to force Herbert to make a couple of mistakes, they could walk out of SoFi with a SU win, but let's not get greedy here. Broncos and the points in this one.
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Betting Trends
- Denver has gone UNDER the point total in 12 of its last 15 games.
- Los Angeles has failed to cover the spread in five of its last eight home games.
- Denver has lost seven of its last eight games when facing the AFC.
- The home team has covered the spread in four straight meetings.
Where to place a bet this NFL Season?
- Use our exclusive BetMGM Bonus Code VIBONUS1500 to unlock BetMGM’s welcome offer for new sportsbook users!
- Compare the latest NFL Odds from the best sportsbooks before placing a bet on this week's games.
- Check out the North Carolina Sportsbooks just before they launch legal online sports betting.
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