All four teams in the AFC West are still in the playoff hunt, but this matchup at this season’s Super Bowl venue will serve as an elimination game for the loser. The Los Angeles Chargers are much better positioned than the Denver Broncos heading into the game, but both teams are currently on the outside looking in.
The Chargers picked a bad time to play their worst game of the season last week against the Houston Texans, dealing a big blow to their postseason hopes. The Dolphins sit in the last playoff spot right now with the same record, with the Raiders and Ravens also in the mix at 8-7.
For the Broncos, this is a must-win game, as their hopes are toast with a loss. On the road against a division foe, this should be a very intense game.
Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Matchup Info and Betting Odds
- Game Matchup: Denver Broncos (7-8) vs Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)
- Venue & Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- Date: Sunday, January 2, 2022
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS
Betting Odds
- Spread: Denver Broncos +7.5 (-110), Los Angeles Chargers -7.5 (-110)
- Total: OVER 45 (-115), UNDER 45 (-105)
- Moneyline: Denver Broncos +300, Los Angeles Chargers -375
NFL odds are from BetMGM.
Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Betting Outlook
The Broncos have lost their last two games, both close against playoff-caliber teams in the Raiders and Bengals. They have the NFL’s stingiest defense, giving up just 17 points per game. That generally keeps them in the game.
When these teams met earlier in the season in Denver, the Broncos came away with a 28-13 win. So, the Broncos can go into this trip with some confidence, but they have won only one of their last five road games.
In that loss, the Chargers turned the ball over twice and could not stop the Broncos on the ground. That is definitely in keeping with what happens when they struggle. The Chargers are the third-worst team in the NFL defending the run.
Also, when Herbert is not playing well, he tends to turn the ball over. When he is sharp, the Chargers’ offense is among the best in the league. They enter this matchup fourth in yards and eighth in scoring.
Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction and Best Bet
Los Angeles Chargers 28, Denver Broncos 20 (Los Angeles -7)
Denver won the last time by playing efficient football. They were able to run the ball well, didn’t turn it over, committed few penalties, and had more return yardage. When you pair that with a solid defensive effort that is how the Broncos win games and that formula especially plays well at home.
Moving things to SoFi Stadium, I think they are going to find it tougher to put the Chargers in bad situations and I don’t trust QB Teddy Bridgewater to put the team on his back in a game to extend their season.
Herbert and the Chargers put the ball in the air a lot. Multiple times he has thrown two interceptions in a game this season, including last week in the loss to Houston. He has never done it two games in a row though, so I am expecting a bounce-back on Sunday.
When the offense is clicking, they can put a lot of points on the board. I definitely think they are going to have more success against Denver this time around. If they can play this game with a lead, they will put the Broncos in a much tougher spot because of the way that team is constructed.
The Chargers have not been a great spread team this season, posting a 7-8 ATS record. They are 7-1 ATS in their wins though. So, if you think they are going to get this one then they are definitely the side to get behind.
