The Denver Broncos will wrap up the 2025 common season at residence this week, as they’re set to host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos are coming off a 20-13 win over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on Christmas, whereas the Chargers have been defeated by the Houston Texans in Week 17, 20-16.
The No. 1 seed within the AFC is on the road on this matchup, because the 13-3 Broncos can clinch the first-round bye with a win. They might fall to the No. 2 seed within the AFC in the event that they misplaced whereas the 13-3 New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins. As for the Chargers, they’re locked right into a wild-card spot. They at the moment occupy the No. 6 seed within the AFC behind the Texans and forward of the Buffalo Payments. Each of these groups are additionally 11-5, and favored to win their respective matchups this weekend. Trey Lance will begin at quarterback for the Chargers, as Justin Herbert will get per week to relaxation.
Let’s break down this AFC West matchup. However first, this is how one can watch the sport.
The place to observe Chargers vs. Broncos stay
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 4 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive — Denver, Colorado
- TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+
- Comply with: CBS Sports activities App
- Odds: Broncos -12.5, O/U 37.5 (by way of DraftKings)
Chargers vs. Broncos: Must know
- Chargers resting starters? On Monday, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh advised reporters that quarterback Justin Herbert won’t begin within the regular-season finale towards the Broncos. Along with Herbert, Harbaugh mentioned that different starters with “essentially the most bruises” and that want “essentially the most therapeutic” will not play, both.
- The fortunate one seed. Denver has an awesome shot to safe the No. 1 seed within the AFC this week. The Broncos have made the Tremendous Bowl six of eight occasions when incomes the No. 1 seed within the convention. With no Patrick Mahomes, no Joe Burrow and presumably no Lamar Jackson, the AFC is definitely huge open this yr.
- How inexperienced is Lance? The previous No. 3 total choose within the 2021 NFL Draft undoubtedly has potential, and earned the backup job in Los Angeles this preseason. Nevertheless, contemplate this stat: Bo Nix has extra passing makes an attempt this yr (589) than Lance has in his EIGHT-year faculty and professional profession (474)!
- Broncos closing in on sack document? This Denver protection is likely one of the finest within the NFL, and has recorded a franchise-record 64 sacks this season. The Broncos are actually 9 sacks away from breaking the NFL document. 9 is a big quantity, however the Broncos protection did document 9 sacks in Week 6 towards the New York Jets.
- Chargers offensive line points. The Chargers have began 10 completely different offensive line mixtures this season in comparison with Denver’s 4. Los Angeles has began six completely different offensive tackles this season, which is tied for many within the NFL.
Chargers vs. Broncos prediction, choose
It is not a scorching take to foretell that the Broncos will win this recreation, however will they cowl the unfold? We did see Denver fail to cowl the unfold towards a lesser opponent on Christmas. The Chargers are 5-0 straight up and towards the unfold this season towards divisional opponents. Solely six groups since 2000 have completed undefeated straight up and towards the unfold in divisional play. 13 factors is a big quantity, however with this recreation going down in Denver and the Broncos motivated for a win, we’ll take the AFC West champions. Choose: Broncos -12.5, Over 37.5
