The Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) travel to face off against the Denver Broncos (7-8) on Sunday, December 31st. This game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High in Empower Field at Mile High and televised on CBS. Both the Chargers and Broncos will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 ET.
Chargers vs Broncos
The Chargers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Most recently, the Chargers hosted the Bills. The game ended in a 24-22 loss for Los Angeles. In spite of losing to Buffalo, the Chargers did cover the spread as 12.5-point underdogs in the game.
For the game, quarterback Easton Stick attempted 33 passes and finished with 23 completions for 215. His passer rating for the game was 87.
In their most recent game, the Chargers defense allowed only 16 first downs against the Bills. In terms of rushing defense, Los Angeles conceded 105 yards, while the passing defense allowed 230 yards.
Going into this week 17 AFC matchup, the Chargers have an overall record of 5-10. In the AFC-West standings, the Chargers are in 4th place and 15th in the AFC. So far, they have gone 3-7 against AFC opponents and 3-4 on the road.
When it comes to the spread, the Chargers have a 6-9 record. Heading into week 17, their scoring margin is at -2.9 (per game). Up to this point in the season, games featuring Los Angeles have ranked 9th in total points. They have maintained an over/under record of 5-10, and the average over/under line for their games is 45.7 points.
Chargers Injury Report
- Corey Linsley – Heart (Out)
- Keenan Allen – Heel (Questionable)
- Joey Bosa – Foot (Questionable)
- Mike Williams – Knee (Out)
- Will Clapp – Knee (Out)
- Justin Herbert – Finger (Out)
- Zack Bailey – Back (Out)
- Tanner Muse – Knee (Questionable)
- Chris Rumph II – Foot (Out)
- Raheem Layne – Knee (Out)
- Andrew Trainer – Undisclosed (Out)
- Deane Leonard – Ankle/heel (Questionable)
- Amechi Uzodinma – Undisclosed (Out)
The Broncos Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Most recently, the Broncos hosted the Patriots. The game ended in a 26-23 loss for Denver. Not only did the Broncos lose the game, but they also didn’t cover the spread as 7-point favorites.
Russell Wilson wrapped up the game with 238 passing yards and a passer rating of 103. Overall, he completed 25 of 37 passes.
In their recent game, the Broncos defense was tough against the run defense, allowing only 59 rushing yards. Throughout the game, the Patriots managed an average of 2.8 yards per rushing attempt. In total, Denver’s defense allowed 289 yards of offensive production.
With an overall record of 7-8, the Broncos are 3rd in the AFC-West. This record also has them 12th in the AFC. At home, Denver is 4-4 compared to a record of 3-4 on the road.
Looking at their ATS performance so far, the Broncos are above .500 at 5-9-1. Their average scoring margin is -3.3. Throughout this season, Denver games have averaged 46.9 points, ranking them 8th in the NFL. They hold an over/under record of 7-8, with an average OU line of 44 points.
Broncos Injury Report
- Alex Palczewski – Hand (Questionable)
- Eyioma Uwazurike – Suspension (Out)
- Jalen Virgil – Meniscus (Out)
- Greg Dulcich – Hamstring (Questionable)
- Nik Bonitto – Knee (Questionable)
- Caden Sterns – Knee (Out)
- Jonas Griffith – Knee (Out)
- K’Waun Williams – Ankle (Out)
- Courtland Sutton – Head (Questionable)
- Tim Patrick – Achilles (Out)
Chargers Offense Breakdown
As they enter week 17, the Chargers offense ranks 16th in the league, averaging 21.7 points per contest.
Los Angeles’ passing offense enters this week’s game with a ranking of 13th in passing yards. Furthermore, they hold the 7th spot in attempts, averaging 36.5 passes per game.
The Chargers hold the 23rd position in the NFL with 95.9 rushing yards per game. This average has come on an average of 25.1 rushing attempts (21st).
Broncos Offense Breakdown
On offense, the Broncos are at 21.8 points per game, putting them 14th in the NFL.
Denver’s passing offense, heading into this week’s game, holds the 25th ranking in passing yards. In terms of attempts, they are 24th with an average of 29.8 passes per game.
In terms of rushing, the Broncos are averaging 26.5 rushing attempts per game, placing them 14th for rushing yards. They have an average of 4.2 yards per rushing attempt.
Chargers Team Defense
With a matchup against the Broncos’ offense, the Chargers defense has allowed an average of 24.6 points per game so far. They currently are 19th in quarterback hits and are allowing 372.6 yards per contest.
Broncos Team Defense
Defensively, the Broncos are currently ranked 18th in tackles for loss and 12th in sacks. Their opponents have been putting up an average of 25.1 points per game against them and accumulating 376.2 yards per contest.
Chargers vs Broncos Trends
- In their last ten games away from home, the Chargers have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 5-5 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 22 points per game in these contests.
- Across their ten previous home games, Denver has an ATS mark of 4-5-1. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 18 points per game.
- As the betting underdog, the Chargers have an ATS mark of just 4-6 in their last ten games. Los Angeles posted a straight up mark of 1-9 in these matchups.
- Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Denver has an ATS mark of 2-7-1 while going 5-5 straight up.
Chargers vs Broncos Prediction
Considering Denver’s recent struggles in the passing game against New England, I’m not optimistic about a sudden change. That’s why I’m liking Los Angeles as 5.5-point underdogs.
My bet for this game is the over, with the current over/under line at 38.5. So far this season, Denver games have averaged a combined score of 46.9 points, and I foresee this game surpassing 38.5.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:December 27, 2023 Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Uncategorized