The NFL’s Week 16 season kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 19, with the Los Angeles Chargers hosting the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have a one-game lead over the Chargers in the AFC West standings and are currently 9-5.
Both teams have excelled against the spread, with the Broncos boasting an 11-3 record and the Chargers at 9-4-1. However, it’s essential to consider the current form of both teams. The Broncos have won four consecutive games, while the Chargers have lost two in a row.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been solid, throwing multiple touchdown passes in four of his last five games. He is, however, turnover-prone, with five picks over the last two games. The team’s defense has helped Nix by leading the NFL in sacks with 49 and boasting a plus-5 turnover differential.
The Chargers offense has struggled recently, averaging just 227 yards per game over the last three contests, which ranks dead-last in the league. Despite this, they have a chance to improve against the Broncos’ defense, but their lack of depth outside of wide receiver Ladd McConkey might hinder their efforts.
Looking ahead, it’s recommended to take the Broncos +2.5 available at most online sportsbooks at -105. This underdog bet offers value given the current form and matchup between the two teams.
One popular betting option for division games is the total going over. In this scenario, with both teams’ defenses being excellent, finding a player who can score might be challenging. However, Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton presents an intriguing opportunity at +180.
Sutton has seen eight targets or more in every game since Week 7 and has scored four times over his last five contests. The Chargers have allowed four touchdowns to wide receivers over the last two games, making it a favorable matchup for Sutton. He is recommended as the top option in the Broncos offense with a half-unit wager.
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Source: https://deadspin.com/betting/broncos-v-chargers-prediction-picks-best-bets-for-thursday-night-football