by Rod Pearson
Monday, Dec 16, 2024
Game Time: 8:15 pm ET, Thursday, December 19, 2024
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Broncos +3, Chargers -3; Over/Under: 42.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Broncos +3, Chargers -3; Over/Under: 42 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Broncos +3, Chargers -3; Over/Under: 42.5 points
Season Record
Denver Broncos: 9-5 (2nd place, AFC West)
Los Angeles Chargers: 8-6 (3rd place, AFC West)
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Denver Broncos: won their last game at home against the Indianapolis Colts 31-13.
Los Angeles Chargers: lost their last game at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-17.
Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Preview and Analysis
The Broncos are entering this game with a 9-5 record overall and they have a 2-2 record in their divisional games too. They are 5-2 in their home games, 4-3 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They won their last game against the Indianapolis Colts 31-13. Bo Nix was the starting QB and he completed 20/33 passes for 130 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Bo Nix led the team in rushing yards with 23. Courtland Sutton led the receivers with 32 receiving yards on 3 receptions and 1 TD. Brandon Jones led the defense in that game with 8 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle while Dondrea Tillman led the defense in sacks with 1. Brandon Jones and Patrick Surtain II each came away with 1 interception for them in that one.
The Chargers are entering this game with an 8-6 record overall and they have a 2-2 record in their divisional games too. They are 4-3 in their home games, 4-3 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They lost their last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-17. Justin Herbert was the starting QB and he completed 21/33 passes for 195 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Gus Edwards led the team in rushing yards with 23. Ladd McConkey led the receivers with 58 receiving yards on 5 receptions and 1 TD. Elijah Molden led the defense in that game with 7 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles while Troy Dye led the defense in sacks with 1. Tarheeb Still came away with the only interception for them in that one.
Broncos vs Chargers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Broncos listed as a 3 point underdog in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Broncos have looked good in their games this season with their 9-5 record overall which has them in 2nd place of the AFC West and fighting for a Wild Card spot. They are coming off a big win over the Colts last week and that win has put them in a great position to make the playoffs now. Meanwhile, the Chargers have looked good in their games this season with their 8-6 record overall, but that record has them in 3rd place of the AFC West and fighting for a Wild Card spot. They were ahead of the Broncos in the division going into last week, but the Broncos beat the Colts while the Chargers are coming off a bad loss to the Bucs last week and that loss has now put them behind the Broncos and fighting for the last Wild Card spot. The Chargers have one of the best defenses in the NFL this season as Jim Harbaugh has turned this team around in a short amount of time, but they haven't looked good lately as injuries have been taking their toll. They haven't really been able to run the ball since losing Dobbins to injury and their offense has looked terrible with him out of the lineup. They are coming off a bad loss last week at home and now the Broncos have all the momentum on their side here. The Broncos weren't great on offense last week, but they figured out a way to get the win and Bo Nix will be looking to bounce back with a better performance. The Broncos also have one of the best defenses in the NFL that can match what this Chargers defense can do. The best way to place a bet here is on the Broncos to cover the spread in this game.
Broncos Chargers Prediction: Our NFL Pick for Thursday, December 19, 2024 (8:15 pm ET start time) is Broncos 21 Chargers 16.
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NFL Betting Trends
Denver Broncos: 9-5 ATS after allowing 14 points or less last game. 10-2 ATS versus poor rushing defenses - allowing 4.5 rushing yards/carry or more. 16-9 UNDER as an underdog. 14-8 UNDER in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points. 12-6 UNDER when playing against a team with a winning record.
Los Angeles Chargers: 4-7 ATS as a home favorite of 7 points or less. 3-6 ATS in a home game where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points. 2-5 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 75%). 29-18 UNDER in all games. 12-4 UNDER versus division opponents. 20-12 UNDER in games played on turf.
Key Injuries
Denver Broncos: T. Smith (CB) Injured - NIR-Personal. B. Jones (SAF) Injured - Abdomen. R. Moss (CB) Out - Knee.
Los Angeles Chargers: T. Pipkins (T) Injured - Rest. J. Bosa (OLB) Injured - Hip. K. Mack (OLB) Injured - Rest. T. Jefferson (SAF) Injured - Hamstring. D. Perryman (LB) Questionable - Groin. W. Dissly (TE) Out - Shoulder. J. Herbert (QB) Injured - Ankle. J. Reagor (WR) Out - Finger. D. Davis (WR) Injured - Hamstring. L. McConkey (WR) Questionable - Knee.
Notable Quotes
“If he would have scored that touchdown, it would have been even more of a dogfight to get back. We would have had a tougher fight. ... I just hope it never happens to us.” - Jonathan Cooper after their win against the Colts in their last game.
“That’s huge. It’s December football, you know. We’re trying to stop the run, and we’re trying to run the football. Today, we did a good job.” - Todd Bowles after his team’s win against the LA Chargers in their last game.
Starting Lineups
Denver Broncos
WR Sutton, Courtland
WR Humphrey, Lil'Jordan
WR Vele, Devaughn
TE Trautman, Adam
QB Nix, Bo
RB Williams, Javonte
FB Burton, Michael
Los Angeles Chargers
WR Johnston, Quentin
WR Palmer, Joshua
WR McConkey, Ladd
TE Smartt, Stone
QB Herbert, Justin
RB Edwards, Gus
FB Matlock, Scott
Statistical Leaders
Denver Broncos
Passing: B. Nix (2972)
Rushing: J. Williams (461)
Receiving: C. Sutton (878)
Touchdowns: C. Sutton (6)
Los Angeles Chargers
Passing: J. Herbert (2959)
Rushing: J. Dobbins (766)
Receiving: L. McConkey (873)
Touchdowns: J. Dobbins (8)
Coaches:
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton (2nd season)
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
