The stage is set for a colossal NFL showdown between two teams vying for a spot in the AFC Wild Card race as the Denver Broncos take on the Los Angeles Chargers from SoFi Stadium.
Bet on Broncos vs. Chargers
DEN +2.5
LAC -2.5
As both squads currently hold a spot within the top seven of the AFC, they’ll be looking to further solidify their spots in the conference standings with a win on Thursday Night Football. In what’s sure to be a playoff atmosphere, you can raise the stakes even higher in their marquee matchup with our Thursday Night Football odds betting preview.
Below we’ve featured all the latest Thursday Night Football odds as well as the best bets and latest trends for both teams competing in tonight’s tilt. With our winning picks you’re sure to see a boost to your bankroll on this must-see Week 16 showdown.
Don’t wait, check out our Broncos vs Chargers predictions below and score your next big win using these Thursday Night Football odds.
| Broncos Moneyline Odds | +125 |
| Chargers Moneyline Odds | -154 |
| Spread odds | LAC -2.5 (-133), DEN +2.5 (+105) |
| Over/Under | 41.5 points (over -110, under -108) |
| Time/Date | Dec. 19, 8:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: TSN/DAZN |
Betting the Denver Broncos (9-5 SU, 11-3 ATS, 8-5-1 o/u)
Having been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos have had no shortage of success this year. Sporting the sixth-best record in the AFC, the Broncos have been a thrilling team to watch on any given week.
Led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos have managed to pull off multiple upset victories en route to what will be their first winning season since 2016.
In that time the Broncos have not only been a winning football team, but a profitable betting option as well. With a 9-5 record straight-up, the Mile High City squad has also excelled in covering the spread, holding the highest cover-rate among all NFL teams this season.
Primed to continue their recent string of success, the Broncos will look to continue serving as a reliable moneymaker for NFL bettors to kick off Week 16.
Betting the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6 SU, 9-5 ATS, 5-9 o/u)
Continuing to exceed expectations through hard work, grit, and determination, the no-frills style of head coach Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers has certainly translated into winning football this season.
With quarterback Justin Herbert carrying a mediocre offence to success, the Chargers are in a great position to capture their second playoff appearance since drafting their franchise quarterback.
From a betting perspective, the Chargers have been solid in 2024. With a winning record straight-up, the Chargers have also been a reliable pick to cover the spread, having done so in 64.3% of their games played. Along with this, their standout defence has kept points at a premium this year, leaving them with the second-highest rate of hitting the under in the NFL.
With their smashmouth style, expect to see the Chargers continue utilize their hard-hitting, methodical play style in order to generate success.
Betting Mismatch
In the mix of the Offensive Rookie of the Year discussion, look for standout quarterback Bo Nix to not only get the job done through the air, but also on the ground as he rumbles his way into the end zone against the Chargers.
An active rusher out of the pocket, Nix thrives in finding opportune times to pull the ball down and move downfield. With a stellar offensive line in front of him, look for there to be no shortage of running lanes for the rookie quarterback as he finds gaps in the Chargers defence near the goal line.
Coming off of an eight-carry performance against the Indianapolis Colts in his last start, expect to see Nix plow his way to pay dirt as he leads the way for his lowly rushing offence.
Bo Nix Over 0.5 Rushing Touchdowns
+300
Key Injuries
Entering into this primetime battle in Week 16, the Broncos are in generally good health. However, CB Riley Moss (knee) and RB Jaleel McLaughlin (RB) are out.
For the Chargers, they’ve been plagued by injuries all year long, but have managed to come out the other side as a winning football team. TE Will Dissly (shoulder) and CB Cam Hart (concussion) won’t play, and CB Elijah Molden (knee) is doubtful. TE Hayden Hurst (hip), G Zion Johnson (ankle), DT Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis), and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) are all questionable.
NFL Betting Trends
- In their matchup from earlier this season, the Chargers won 23-16. Using these figures in relation to these lines, the Chargers -2.5 and under 41.5 would be winning picks.
- Both teams are 3-1 ATS in divisional play this season.
- The Chargers are 7-2 ATS as favourites in 2024.
- The Broncos are 4-1 ATS as road underdogs in 2024.
NFL Player Prop Trends
- Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey has hauled in over 65.5 yards in three of his last four games played.
- Facing a top-five rush defence in the Broncos, the under 38 yards could be a good bet for Chargers running back Gus Edwards. Edwards has finished below this mark in five straight games and seven of his last eight.
- Having passed for over 222 yards in five of his last seven starts, Bo Nix may be a good candidate to exceed his yardage total.
- The preferred target of Nix, look for Courtland Sutton to have ample targets this evening. Having hauled in five or more receptions in six of his last seven games played, he’s a great player to bet on.
Broncos vs. Chargers Predictions
- In what’s sure to be a tightly-contested clash on Thursday Night Football, we advise backing the Broncos to cover the thin 2.5-point spread as underdogs. While the Chargers may be the superior team on paper, this hasn’t stopped the Broncos from piling up wins throughout their 2024 campaign. With elite coaching from Sean Payton, coupled with a hungry and motivated core, the Broncos will be in a great position to keep fighting until the bitter end, keeping the score close whether they are in the lead or not. Back the Broncos to stay within a field goal of the lead, if not pulling off the upset road victory outright over the Chargers.
- Needing to pull out all the stops in order to generate a win in this pivotal AFC West showdown, look for over 41.5 points to be scored on Thursday Night Football. While their previous head-to-head meeting wasn’t particularly high-scoring, both teams have begun to find an improved offensive rhythm in recent weeks. Look for both sides of this matchup to continue their scoring averages of over 21 points in this duel, resulting in the over hitting well before the final whistle in this crucial late-season tussle.
