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Chargers vs. Broncos for TNF: Preview and Free Picks

Chargers vs. Broncos for TNF: Preview and Free Picks

Week 16 of the NFL kicks off this Thursday with a direct showdown in the race for one of the AFC playoff spots: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos.

The Chargers are coming off a crushing home defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, losing 17-40.

Meanwhile, the Broncos secured a dominant victory over the Indianapolis Colts, winning 31-13.

When?Thursday, December 19 at 8:15 pm ET, 7:15 pm CST, 6:15 pm MT, and 5:15 pm PT
Where?SoFi Stadium
What are the Moneyline Odds for the Chargers?1.70
What are the Moneyline Odds for the Broncos?2.30
What is the Over/Under?41.5
Where can I watch?CBSESPN, and Fox Sports
Where can I stream?NFL Network

Why bet on the Los Angeles Chargers?

It’s not the best moment for the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6). They have suffered two consecutive losses and three in their last four games, placing them seventh in the AFC and currently holding the final playoff spot. With three games left, there are three teams just two games behind, meaning they cannot afford any more slip-ups.

Last weekend, they were crushed at home by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, losing 17-40 despite going into halftime with a 17-13 lead. This means they failed to score any points in the second half.

Justin Herbert completed 21 of 33 passes for 195 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His counterpart, Baker Mayfield, threw for 288 yards and twice as many touchdowns with just one more completed pass.

This marked the second time this seasonthey’ve allowed 30 or more points, the previous instance being on November 25 against the Baltimore Ravens (23-30). These two defeats were also their most recent home games, highlighting their current struggles late in the regular season.

Why bet on the Denver Broncos?

Quite the opposite case for the Denver Broncos (9-5), who are having a strong finish to the regular season. This past weekend, they surpassed the Chargers in the standings, moving up to second place in the AFC West and sixth in the standings of the conference.

The Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-13 and now boast four consecutive victories, their best streak of the year. Prior to this, they had wins against the Atlanta Falcons (38-6), Las Vegas Raiders (19-29), and Cleveland Browns (41-32).

It was a mixed performance for rookie Bo Nix, who, despite throwing for only 130 yards, managed three touchdowns. However, he was interceptedthree times, bringing his season total to 11. After going three games without an interception, he has now been picked off five times in the last two games (three this weekend and two the previous week), highlighting the need for more secure passing. Nevertheless, it has been a promising season for the quarterback, especially in this latter half.

A win would guarantee Sean Payton’s team a spot in the postseason.

Final Betting Analysis: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

The last time these two teams faced was on October 13 of this year, with the Los Angeles Chargers winning away 16-23. Meanwhile, the last time they played at SoFi Stadium, the Denver Broncos secured a 7-24 victory.

The odds at Gambyl Exchange favor the Los Angeles Chargers, with a Moneyline of 1.70, while the Denver Broncos are listed at 2.30.

It will be a very close match between two direct rivals. However, the current form of the Denver Broncos and Bo Nix has been better than that of the Los Angeles Chargers and Justin Herbert, which is why the visitors are expected to take the victory. Go for the OVER.

Go for a win for the Broncos. If you bet $100 at 2.30, you will gain $130 for a total payout of $230.

Be ready for the 2024 NFL football season with our NFL Betting Guide and follow every NFL football game with our printable NFL schedule; available for download as a spreadsheet, Google Sheet for the entire season or get every week from Week 1 through Week 18 with free picks.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Betting Pick: Broncos

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