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When the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) visit the Denver Broncos (7-8) on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Empower Field at Mile High, they will attempt to break a three-game losing streak.
Broncos vs. Chargers Odds
Point Spread
The spread for this matchup is set at 3.5 points, with bookmakers listing the Broncos as the favorites.
Moneyline
As for the moneyline, the Broncos have -192 odds to pick up the win, while the Chargers are listed at +160 to claim victory.
Over/Under
Finally, the total for the game is set at 38.5 points.
Game Info
How to Watch Broncos vs. Chargers Live?
- Game Day: Sunday, December 31, 2023
- Game Time: 4:25 PM ET
- TV Channel: CBS
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Stadium: Empower Field at Mile High
Betting Preview
Broncos
Despite sporting a bottom-five defense that ranks third-worst in the NFL (376.2 yards allowed per game), the Broncos have put up better results on offense, ranking 25th in the NFL by putting up 298.2 yards per game. Despite having a bottom-five scoring defense that ranks fourth-worst in the NFL (25.1 points allowed per game), the Broncos have played better on offense, ranking 16th in the NFL by averaging 21.8 points per game.
The Broncos are averaging 187.5 passing yards per game offensively this year (25th in NFL), and they are surrendering 235.1 passing yards per game (23rd) on defense. With 141.1 rushing yards allowed per game on defense, which ranks second-worst in the NFL, the Broncos have been forced to ask their 14th-ranked running game (110.7 rushing yards per contest) to keep them in games.
The Broncos rank 20th in third-down percentage this year (36.6%), but they’ve been shining on defense, ranking second-best in the NFL with a 32.6% third-down conversion rate allowed. Despite having a bottom-five defense in terms of yards per play that ranks third-worst in the NFL (5.9 yards per play allowed), the Broncos have had more success offensively, ranking 22nd in the NFL by totaling 5 yards per play. The Broncos have forced 25 total turnovers (third in NFL) this season and have turned it over 21 times (18th in NFL) for a turnover margin of +4, ninth-ranked in the NFL.
Chargers
The Chargers have not been getting things done defensively, ranking fourth-worst with 372.6 total yards surrendered per game. They have been better on the other side of the ball, generating 329.7 total yards per contest (18th-ranked). The Chargers are compiling 21.7 points per contest on offense this season (17th-ranked). Meanwhile, they are giving up 24.6 points per contest (26th-ranked) on defense.
The Chargers have been struggling in pass defense, ranking third-worst with 259.3 passing yards surrendered per game. They have been more productive on the other side of the ball, generating 233.7 passing yards per contest (13th-ranked). With 95.9 rushing yards per game on offense, the Chargers rank 24th in the NFL. On defense they rank 17th, allowing 113.3 rushing yards per contest.
In terms of third-down efficiency, the Chargers rank 15th in the NFL (39.6% third-down conversion percentage) and 14th on defense (38.2% third-down rate allowed). The Chargers rank 16th in the NFL with 5.1 yards per play on offense, and they rank 27th with 5.7 yards surrendered per play on the defensive side of the ball. The Chargers own a +1 turnover margin this season, which ranks 14th in the NFL.
Broncos vs. Chargers Injury Report
Broncos
| Player | Pos. | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerry Jeudy | WR | Illness | Probable |
| Dwayne Washington | RB | Illness | Out |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | Concussion | Out |
| Baron Browning | OLB | Concussion | Out |
| Alex Forsyth | C | Gameday inactive | Out |
| Marvin Mims | WR | Hamstring | Out |
| Thomas Incoom | OLB | Gameday inactive | Out |
Chargers
| Player | Pos. | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keenan Allen | WR | Heel | Out |
| Josh Palmer | WR | Concussion | Out |
| Kenneth Murray | LB | Shoulder | Out |
| Deane Leonard | DB | Ankle | Probable |
| Donald Parham | TE | Gameday inactive | Out |
| Nick Vannett | TE | Back | Probable |
| Zion Johnson | OG | Neck | Out |
Broncos vs. Chargers Betting Analysis
Broncos Betting Insights
The Broncos have covered the spread four times in 15 games with a set spread. The Broncos have not covered the spread when they are at least 3.5-point favorites (0-2).
Broncos games have gone over the total seven times this season.
Chargers Betting Insights
The Chargers have covered the spread five times in 15 games with a set spread. The Chargers have an ATS record of 1-1 when playing as at least 3.5-point underdogs.
Games involving Chargers have hit the over five times this year. The Chargers have been listed as the underdog six times this season and have failed to win any of those games.
The Chargers have not won as an underdog of +160 or more on the moneyline this season in two such games.
Broncos vs. Chargers Against The Spread & Betting Records
Broncos
| Overall | Home | Away | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Total AVG | 44.2 | 41.4 | 47.4 |
| Implied Team Total AVG | 24.5 | 22.6 | 26.7 |
| ATS Record | 4-9-2 | 2-5-1 | 2-4-1 |
| Over/Under Record | 7-8-0 | 4-4-0 | 3-4-0 |
| Moneyline Favorite Record | 4-4 | 3-4 | 1-0 |
| Moneyline Underdog Record | 3-4 | 1-0 | 2-4 |
Chargers
| Overall | Home | Away | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Total AVG | 45.9 | 47.9 | 43.7 |
| Implied Team Total AVG | 25.2 | 26.8 | 23.4 |
| ATS Record | 5-9-1 | 2-5-1 | 3-4-0 |
| Over/Under Record | 5-9-1 | 3-5-0 | 2-4-1 |
| Moneyline Favorite Record | 4-4 | 2-2 | 2-2 |
| Moneyline Underdog Record | 0-6 | 0-4 | 0-2 |
Players to Watch
Broncos
- Russell Wilson has 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns (sixth in the NFL) and eight interceptions this year. He has completed 66.4% of his passes, averaging 204.7 yards per game and 6.9 per attempt.
- He has added 341 rushing yards (22.7 per game) and three touchdowns on the ground.
- Javonte Williams’ rushing statline this season includes 701 yards and two TDs. He is averaging 50.1 yards per game and 3.6 per attempt (39th in the NFL).
- He’s also caught 37 passes (on 46 targets) for 168 receiving yards with two touchdowns. He’s averaging 12 receiving yards and 2.6 catches per game.
- In the passing game, Jerry Jeudy, has racked up 625 receiving yards and one touchdown after hauling in 48 balls on 75 targets. Per game, he’s averaging 44.6 yards and 3.4 receptions through 14 games.
- In the ground game, Jaleel McLaughlin averages 5.6 yards per attempt and 24 yards per game for 360 total rushing yards. He has scored one rushing touchdown this season.
- He’s added 28 catches (on 33 targets) for 142 receiving yards with two touchdowns. He’s averaging 9.5 receiving yards and 1.9 receptions per game.
- Over on the defensive side, Alex Singleton has 151 tackles, five TFL, and two sacks in 2023. His tackle total leads the Broncos and is fourth in the NFL.
- Jonathon Cooper has 7.5 sacks (first on the Broncos) to go with seven TFL, 69 tackles, and one interception.
- This season, Josey Jewell has recorded two sacks in addition to his two TFL and 90 tackles.
- This season, Zach Allen has 52 tackles, eight TFL, and five sacks.
Chargers
- Austin Ekeler has rushed for five touchdowns this year, and has 571 total rushing yards (47.6 per game and 3.7 per carry).
- On top of his rushing statistics, Ekeler has caught 43 passes (on 64 targets) for 394 yards (third on the Chargers), with one receiving touchdown. He’s averaging 32.8 yards per game.
- Gerald Everett has 46 catches for 376 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He has been targeted 60 times and averages 3.5 receptions per game through 13 games played.
- Joshua Kelley has rushed for two touchdowns this year, and has totaled 402 rushing yards (26.8 per game and 3.9 per carry).
- Quentin Johnston has been targeted 56 times, resulting in 33 catches for 385 yards .
- Khalil Mack has put up 15 sacks (first on the Chargers and fourth in the NFL) to go with 16 TFL and 62 tackles through 15 games in 2023.
- Derwin James’ stats include one interception as well as 106 tackles, four TFL, one sack, and five passes defended.
- Eric Kendricks has 3.5 sacks (fifth on the Chargers) in addition to his seven TFL and 96 tackles.
- Alohi Gilman has intercepted one pass to go with 68 tackles, two TFL, and six passes defended.
Broncos vs. Chargers Predictions and Pick
Our prediction to win this contest is the Broncos, and we predict that Broncos will cover the spread (Broncos -3.5). Finally, we see the scoring in this one going over the posted total of 38.5 points.
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