by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Game Time: 4:25 pm ET, Sunday, January 4, 2026
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Where to Watch: CBS
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Chargers +12.5, Broncos -12.5; Over/Under: 37.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Chargers +12.5, Broncos -12.5; Over/Under: 37.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Chargers +12.5, Broncos -12.5; Over/Under: 37.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Chargers: 11-5 (2nd place, AFC West)
Denver Broncos: 13-3 (1st place, AFC West)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Chargers: lost their last game at home against the Houston Texans 20-16.
Denver Broncos: won their last game on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs 20-13.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos Preview and Analysis
The Chargers are entering this game with an 11-5 record overall and they have a 5-0 record in their divisional games too. They are 5-3 in their home games, 5-2 in their road games, and they are also 1-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They lost their last game against the Houston Texans 20-16. Justin Herbert was the starting QB and he completed 21/32 passes for 236 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Justin Herbert led the team in rushing yards with 37. Quentin Johnston led the receivers with 98 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Derwin James Jr. led the defense in that game with 5 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles while no one on the defense recorded a sack for them. Derwin James Jr. and Elijah Molden each came away with 1 interception for them in that one.
The Broncos are entering this game with a 13-3 record overall and they have a 4-1 record in their divisional games too. They are 7-1 in their home games, 5-2 in their road games, and they are also 1-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They won their last game against the Kansas City Chiefs 20-13. Bo Nix was the starting QB and he completed 26/38 passes for 182 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. RJ Harvey led the team in rushing yards with 43. Courtland Sutton led the receivers with 40 receiving yards on 4 receptions. Patrick Surtain II led the defense in that game with 4 solo tackles and 1 assisted tackle while Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman each led the defense in sacks with 0.5. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that one.
Chargers vs Broncos Prediction
The current betting odds have the Broncos listed as a 12.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Broncos have looked great in their games this season with their 13-3 record overall which has them right at the top of the AFC West with one of the best records in the entire NFL. They have looked great on their home field too with their 7-1 home record this year. Meanwhile, the Chargers have looked good in their games this season with their 11-5 record overall which has them right near the top of the AFC West. They have been a good road team too with their 5-2 road record this year. The Chargers have looked great in their games lately as they have been dealing with a ton of injuries, yet they continue to find ways to win games. They are off a 20-16 loss to the Texans in their last one though and that loss killed their hopes of winning the AFC West. They needed to win that game against the Texans for this one to mean something, but now they will likely rest some of their players here since they are already dealing with so many injuries. The Broncos are off a 20-13 win over the Chiefs in their last one and they have some extra time on their side since they last played on Thursday. That was a nice bounce back win for them after losing to the Jags the week before, and now the Broncos have everything to play for here. They have already clinched the division, but they still have a chance to be the number 1 seed in the AFC with a win here so look for them to bring their best effort at home against a Chargers team that will be resting players. The best way to place a bet here is on the Broncos to cover the spread in this game.
Chargers Broncos Prediction: Our NFL Pick for Sunday, January 4, 2026 (4:25 pm ET start time) is Broncos 23 Chargers 3.
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NFL Betting Trends
Los Angeles Chargers: 2-7 ATS after a loss by 6 or less points. 3-6 ATS on the road off a home loss. 0-3 ATS on the road off an upset loss as a home favorite. 6-2 UNDER as a road underdog. 6-2 UNDER after a loss by 6 or less points.
Denver Broncos: 5-2 ATS revenging a road loss against an opponent. 7-2 ATS at home when playing against a team with a winning record. 6-2 ATS at home after playing a division game. 13-6 UNDER when playing against a team with a winning record. 5-2 UNDER revenging a road loss against an opponent.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Chargers: None.
Denver Broncos: None.
Notable Quotes
“They’re very good. We’ve got nothing but respect for them, the way they compete, fly around and play for each other.” - Justin Herbert after their loss against the Texans in their last game.
“It's great to get that win. You always have to remember this: You're playing the heart of a champion, Andy Reid and this team. I don't care who comes out of that locker room. This is a team that basically has been at the top of our league for the better part of this century, and there's a ton of respect we have for what they've been able to accomplish.” - Sean Payton after his team’s win against the Chiefs in their last game.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Chargers
WR Johnston, Quentin
WR Allen, Keenan
WR McConkey, Ladd
TE Gadsden, Oronde
QB Herbert, Justin
RB Hampton, Omarion
FB Matlock, Scott
Denver Broncos
WR Sutton, Courtland
WR Humphrey, Lil'Jordan
WR Franklin, Troy
TE Trautman, Adam
QB Nix, Bo
RB Harvey, RJ
FB Prentice, Adam
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Chargers
Passing: Justin Herbert (3,727)
Rushing: Kimani Vidal (631)
Receiving: Ladd McConkey (789)
Touchdowns: Quentin Johnston (8)
Denver Broncos
Passing: Bo Nix (3,790)
Rushing: J.K. Dobbins (772)
Receiving: Courtland Sutton (1,012)
Touchdowns: RJ Harvey (12)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh (2nd season)
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton (3rd 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.
