Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Denver Broncos remain in the playoff hunt and go up against Los Angeles Chargers in a big Week 16 matchup that could have significant ramifications for the AFC Wild Card picture.

The Broncos secured their fourth straight win when they dismantled the Indianapolis Colts 31-13 at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. Sean Payton’s team has held four of its last five opponents to less than 20 points and Denver’s defense delivered five turnovers against the Colts on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, the Chargers need to bounce back from a damaging 40-17 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. It was their worst defensive showing of the season, as 30 points was the most the team conceded in a single game entering the Bucs contest.

This Week 16 clash of AFC West rivals is essentially a playoff eliminator with the winner of this Thursday Night Football matchup set to significantly enhance their chances of securing a Wild Card spot.

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers betting picks and predictions

Broncos +3.0 (-110)

How the Broncos' elite secondary deals with the Chargers' passing attack will go a long way to deciding this game.

Denver's pass defense ranks among the top three in most statistical categories, presenting a significant challenge for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.

While Herbert has managed to perform well despite his limited receiving weaponry outside of the impressive rookie Ladd McConkey, he may struggle against such a formidable secondary.

The Broncos are coming off a big morale-boosting win and look likely to keep the game competitive, so taking the points with Denver could be a prudent betting strategy.

Under 42.0 total points (-110)

Two well-drilled defenses look unlikely to give up too many points in this crucial divisional matchup.

The Chargers boast the best scoring defense in the NFL going into Week 16 with Los Angeles allowing only 15.9 points per game this year. That figure is significantly better than the next best teams in the league, who have all allowed an average of 18 points per game.

The Chargers have allowed a league-low 21 touchdowns this year, while the Broncos are second in that category with only 23 TDs conceded.

Jim Harbaugh’s team also have the best red zone defense with opponents managing to get into their end zone on only 41.9 percent of their trips beyond the 20-yard line. 

Previous matchups between these teams have been low-scoring affairs. October’s meeting, which the Chargers won 23-16, saw a combined total of 39 points.

And while both teams have been winning games, each has had issues with consistency on offense.

The Chargers have struggled with injuries and lack of offensive firepower all season, scoring 28 points or more in only one of their 15 games.

And Sunday’s big win over the Colts owed more to Indianapolis’ turnover trouble than the Broncos playmakers having a big day as Denver mustered only 193 yards of offense on the day.

As a result, backing the Under seems like the way to go.

Bo Nix anytime TD scorer (+275)

Denver quarterback Bo Nix may be forced to tuck and run the ball to keep the chains moving on Thursday night.

Nix, who has found the end zone four times himself this season, is a vital part of Denver’s rushing attack because the Broncos lack an elite backfield presence.

Running back Javonte Williams has delivered less than 500 rushing yards this year and just 3.5 yards per carry, while Nix has scrambled for 327 yards in his first year in the NFL, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.

The rookie showed a tendency to run the ball when he didn’t like the look of his downfield passing options earlier this year and may slip back into that mode after throwing five interceptions in his last two games.

Nix has the mobility and athleticism to get into the end zone, as he did 20 times in his final two years in college at Oregon, and given how stout the Chargers are in the red zone, he may need to use his wheels to get the Broncos on the board.

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Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers odds

Denver Broncos	+140 ML
Los Angeles Chargers	-165 ML
Spread	LA Chargers -3.0
Total Points	U/O 42.0

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers player props

Anytime Touchdown

Gus Edwards (Los Angeles Chargers)	+120
Ladd McConkey (Los Angeles Chargers)	+150
Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos)	+162
Will Dissly (Los Angeles Chargers)	+175
Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos)	+187
Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)	+225

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.