We have an exciting game this Thursday with big playoff implications. The Denver Broncos will be traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers in an AFC West showdown.
If the season ended today, both of these teams would be in the playoff as wild card teams, but this game will be huge for both team's chances down the stretch. Today we’ll break down the matchup and give you 3 of my favorite bets for this game.
Broncos (9-5)
The start of the Bo Nix era in Denver is underway and it has gone much better than many people expected. They are coming into this game on the back of 4 straight wins and are looking to avenge their loss to the Chargers in week 6.
Bo Nix has been a great leader for this team accounting for 24 total touchdowns so far this season. While the offense has been a surprise, this defensive unit has been the real story behind this teams run. They are currently tied for 1st in opponents points/game with the Chargers and 8th in yards/game.
The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since their Super Bowl victory in 2015, so this season has been a breathe of fresh air for the fans in the Mile High City. This game will be dictated by the two great defenses, but whichever QB can make a play will most likely win it. It will be fun to see if Bo Nix can out duel Justin Herbert.
Chargers (8-6)
John Harbaugh has come into Los Angeles and created a winning culture with the Chargers. They play the very same brand of football Harbaugh won a national championship with in MIchigan. Run the ball and play good defense, and it always helps when you have Justin Herbert behind center.
The Chargers, however, are seemingly skidding out of playoff contention. They hold the last Wild Card spot currently, but have lost their last 2 games. This will be a huge game for them with 2 winnable games to end the season in the Raiders and Patriots.
Much like I said before this game will come down to which QB will be able to make a play. The Chargers and Brocnos are tied in first place with 17.6 opponents points/game. However, the Broncos have been more efficient at allowing less yards.
In their first matchup, the Broncos struggled to run the ball while the Chargers were spearheaded by 95 yards out of JK Dobbins. With Dobbins out, we will see if the Chargers can get the clean sweep against their division rivals.
Best Bets
Los Angeles Chargers -2.5 vs Denver Broncos - I’m taking the Chargers to cover the spread in this matchup. The last time these teams met, the Chargers dominated the pace of the game. They went up 23-0 in the 3rd quarter before the Broncos surged back and scored 16 in the 4th quarter. It really comes down to me trusting Justin Herbert to protect the ball more than Bo Nix.
Live player props data coming soon for Courtland Sutton.
Courtland Sutton Over 5.5 Receptions +115 - Sutton has gotten 8+ targets in each of his last 7 games and surpassed 5.5 receptions in 6 of those 7 games. I think the Broncos will try to keep their top receiver very involved in what I think will be a close game.
Live player props data coming soon for Bo Nix.
Bo Nix 25+ Rush Yards +110 - Bo Nix showed he can scramble early in the season, but as he felt more comfortable in the pocket he started to scramble less. Now, in the last two weeks, he has thrown 5 interceptions and seemed to panic a bit more. I think he will get back to using his legs to pick up easy yards instead of pushing it downfield. He also ran for 60 yards last time he met the Chargers.
