Thursday Night Football Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | December 19, 2024

After a miraculous win over the Colts, the Broncos are set for a tough test this Thursday. Despite their recent success, Denver’s luck is bound to run out, especially with a short week ahead. The Chargers, coming off a tough loss, are primed to take advantage of the Broncos’ regression.

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2024 NFL Write ups this season 30-28 (-3.19 Units)

Week 15 Recap: 5-0 (+5.18 Units)

Broncos vs Chargers Odds

Can Bo Nix lead the Broncos to a Thursday night win over the Chargers?

All NFL odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Wednesday, Dec 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article

Spread

Broncos: +2.5 (-104)

Chargers: -2.5 (-116)

Total

Over: 42 (-110)

Under: 42 (-110)

Moneyline

Broncos: +125

Chargers: -145

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Broncos vs Chargers Predictions

We have a divisional Thursday Night matchup between the red-hot 9-5 Denver Broncos and the 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams are coming off vastly different Week 15 games—who will be more prepared for this quick turnaround? Let’s dive in!

Lucky Horseshoe

After a miraculous win over the Colts, it will be a full fade for Denver this Thursday. The Broncos have been fortunate lately, benefiting from poor quarterback play. Three weeks ago, they caught a break with Jameis Winston throwing two pick-sixes. This past week, they got lucky forcing five turnovers and capitalizing on a botched trick play that led to a Broncos pick-six. Despite these fortunate breaks, Denver has been outgained by 269 total yards in their last two games, allowing 552 yards to the Browns before their bye week and 310 yards to the Colts last Sunday. They managed only 193 total yards of offense, with three turnovers themselves.

Denver is due for regression, and on a short week against a team that was embarrassed on Sunday, it is their time to go down. The way Denver has been winning these games is not sustainable, and eventually, their offense will need to step up for the defense, which has essentially been winning these games. They have scored 101 points in their last three games, averaging over 33 points per game, almost 10 points more than their season average. A major letdown spot is incoming.

Chargers’ Struggles

Los Angeles, coming off a 40-17 loss to the Buccaneers, gave up over 500 total yards of offense and allowed 7.6 yards per play. Now, they have to regroup and face a divisional opponent also vying for a playoff spot. After back-to-back losses, John Harbaugh and the Chargers should be ready to take their frustrations out on a divisional rival.

The Play

Los Angeles is a top-15 team in total yards allowed and top-five in points allowed per game, giving up around 17 points per game this season. Meanwhile, Denver is the number-one scoring defense in the league, allowing a similar number of points, but with a slightly higher average on the road.

#Broncos star CB Patrick Surtain, who exited early with an injury, is believed to be dealing with a minor ankle sprain, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2024

The Broncos may be without star defensive back Patrick Surtain, who left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. With a short turnaround before Thursday night’s matchup, it would be surprising if he plays, especially given his importance to the defense. The team will need him healthy for their playoff push in the coming weeks. However, the two-time Pro Bowler practiced on Tuesday, suggesting he might be able to suit up.

I still lean with the Chargers; the Broncos cannot continue their winning ways with the defense bailing them out every week. Pay the juice. Take the Chargers.