Broncos @ Chargers NFL Thursday betting picks | Week 16 preview

Broncos @ Chargers best bets

Broncos @ Chargers game preview

The Los Angeles Chargers host the Denver Broncos in an all-important AFC West clash to kick off Week 16 of the NFL 2024 season this Thursday night.

With a playoff spot on the line, the Chargers come in as -151.52 favorites with leading sports betting sites. That leaves the in-form Broncos as +120 outsiders on the road, with a +3 handicap.

The Broncos continued their stellar run with a 31-13 win over the Colts last Sunday. Despite quarterback Bo Nix throwing three interceptions and just 130 yards, the Denver defense was excellent as they recovered from a six-point half-time deficit to secure a comfortable win.

The Broncos have now won their last four games to sit at 9-5, and they can lock up a playoff spot this week. They are tied with the Chargers for the best defensive record in the NFL, while they rank inside the top five teams in total points scored.

In positive news, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain was a full participant at training during the week despite exiting late in the game against the Colts with an injury. Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (foot), defensive tackle D.J. Jones (finger), running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) and cornerback Riley Moss (knee) were listed as non-participants at training.

It was a different story for the Chargers last Sunday, as they conceded their biggest score of the season in a 40-17 loss to the Buccaneers. Leading at half-time, the LA side conceded 27 unanswered points in the second half, while quarterback Justin Herbert threw his first interception since Week 2.

Under new coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have been excellent on defense this season, which suggests that performance was a real outlier. Their record has dropped to 8-6, but if they win and other results go their way, they can also secure a playoff spot.

There are plenty of injury concerns for the Chargers this week, as cornerback Cam Hart (concussion), guard Zion Johnson (ankle), safety Elijah Molden (knee), defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis) and tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) all missed training.

Broncos @ Chargers betting strategy

While the Broncos are on a four-game winning run, all of those victories have come against teams with losing records. Bo Nix has thrown five interceptions in the last two weeks, and last time they played the Chargers, Denver were comfortably beaten. Take the home side to get back to winning ways, covering the line of -3 points at +100 with major online bookmakers.

In a clash between the two best defensive teams in the NFL, the total points line has been set at just 42. However, four of the last six Chargers games have gone over the line, while the last three Broncos games have gone over as well. With such a low line, take the over at -111.11 with top NFL bookies.

While Chargers wide receiver Quinten Johnston receives plenty of attention for leading the team in drops, he also leads the team in touchdowns with eight this season. He has scored in each of the last two weeks, and against the Bucs he had a season-high 10 targets. As a bigger receiver he is a constant threat in the endzone, so back Johnston to score once again at +275 with Bovada.

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