The fates of the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) and the Denver Broncos (4-12) have already been decided before they face each other in their final regular-season game. The Chargers will be heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, while the Broncos are far from that.
Last week, despite having already clinched a playoff spot and not going 100%, the Chargers still beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-10. On the other hand, after the firing of their head coach, the Broncos almost upset the Kansas City Chiefs but ultimately lost 27-24.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for the Chargers vs Broncos. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 18 picks for you to consider.
Chargers vs Broncos Betting Lines
Chargers Look To Keep ‘Resting’ Players
Against the Rams, the Chargers looked like they were playing in neutral, with Austin Ekeler having a snap percentage under 50% for the second time all season. He still rushed for 122 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.
Justin Herbert also did not close the game, with backup Chase Daniel coming in in the fourth quarter. Herbert still had a strong game with two touchdowns and 212 yards. It would be wise to keep this going, especially with the injury issues that the Chargers have had. The wide receiver room has been hit the worst and limiting the snaps of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen for this game could be a strong possibility.
Head coach Brandon Staley has come out and said they won’t rest anyone and will push for the No.5 seed. Even if that is the case, there is still a good chance snaps are limited, especially if the Chargers get out to a lead, which, based on last week, they could do.
Herbert played till the fourth quarter, throwing a touchdown to go up 31-10, but the Chargers also had a 17-10 lead at halftime, and the defense closed the game.
Broncos Playing Free
After the firing of a head coach, it is hard to tell how a team will react, and last week the Broncos came out and played more motivated and free. They were able to scare the AFC West Division Champions, Chiefs, having a 17-13 in the second half.
Part of it was the Chiefs messing up, a missed field goal, red-zone interception, and a fumbled punt, but the Broncos took advantage of their opponent’s mistakes. The defensive line stood strong, allowing 46 yards on the ground, 2.9 yards per carry, but couldn’t get a sack. However, the secondary could not hold up, allowing 328 yards, but did get that crucial red zone interception and allowed just one touchdown to one of the best-passing offenses.
The coaching change did not rejuvenate Russell Wilson to the extent fans may have wanted, with a rating of 81.3, his eighth-best. But he threw for 22 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, playing more consistently than other starts this season.
Chargers vs Broncos Game Injuries
Chargers vs Broncos Head-to-Head
The Chargers have beaten the Broncos in the last two games, including a 19-16 overtime win this season. Neither offense got much going in that game, as they had under 300 yards.
Chargers vs Broncos Game Information
- Game: Chargers vs Broncos
- Date: Sunday, January 8
- Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- How to watch the Chargers vs Broncos? ESPN
Chargers vs Broncos Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Chargers vs Broncos Game Weather Conditions
It should be a good day to play football in Denver, Colorado, with temperatures at 44 degrees at kickoff and no rain in the forecast. However at the end of the game, it could be much colder, temperatures are predicted to be at 32 at 8 p.m.
Chargers vs Broncos Picks & Prediction
Predicted score: 24-13
- Worth betting on the Moneyline?
The Chargers should win this game, especially since they are pushing for the No.5 seed, meaning they at least have something to play for. The Broncos have not been good, and last week would have been their best chance to pull off an upset, as a lot fell in their favor.
- Worth to bet ATS?
If the Chargers want to try to rest their players for the fourth quarter, like they did last week, they will need to get to a lead early and keep it. The Broncos also seem drained by the season, and the Chargers have a lot more to play for and should be able to cover the field goal spread.
- Worth betting on the Totals?
NFL Betting on the points totals for this game can be challenging. If the Chargers take their starters out early, that might be an end to their scoring, and with how the Broncos’ offense has looked all season, it’s hard to have faith they will put up a lot of points.
Bet on Chargers vs Broncos:
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
Chargers vs Broncos Trends
Chargers vs Broncos Edge
Chargers vs Broncos Results
Chargers vs Broncos Game Summary
