Broncos vs. Chargers 2021 NFL Week 17 Odds, Analysis & Prediction

By Carlos Chacon • December 29, 2021

Week 17 brings two AFC West teams together as the Broncos travel to California to face the Chargers. Both are at the end of a two-game winning streak, but the hosts have more to lose in this one. At the other end of the spectrum, the Broncos will try to force a win and keep their playoff hopes alive. This challenge of facing a tougher and more consistent Chargers team will demand the best from the visitors.

Nitrobetting reviews all the important details of the Broncos vs. Chargers game. Find essential game info, stats, the latest betting NFL odds, trends, and predictions right here.

Broncos vs. Chargers Game Information

The Broncos still have a slight path to the postseason.

Here's what would need to happen:

Week 17:
Broncos > Chargers
Rams > Ravens
Titans > Dolphins
Browns > Steelers

Week 18:
Broncos > Chiefs
Steelers > Ravens
Bengals > Browns
Patriots > Dolphins
Chargers > Raiders
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) December 28, 2021

When: Sunday, January 2, 2021, 4:05 PM ET
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
TV: CBS
Radio: SiriusXM
Live Stream:NFL Network, NFL League Pass
NFL Odds: Broncos (+4.5) / Chargers (-4.5)

Why Bet on the Denver Broncos?

The Broncos are in a tight race at the AFC West division. They still have a shot at taking the second spot if the Chargers and the Raiders fail to win more games in the last two weeks. However, the Broncos have to overcome the Chargers and their final opponents of the regular season if they want to get closer to a playoff appearance.

The team doesn’t have imposing offensive numbers. They average just under 20 points per game. They average 212.3 passing yards (19th) per game but have significantly better rushing averages compared to the Chargers. The team currently documents 116.7 rushing yards (13th) per game.

What the Broncos bring to the table are high-quality defensive measures. They hold opponents to 17.3 points (first) per game. The team has one of the best passing defenses in the league, averaging 210.7 opponent passing yards (fifth) per game. Moreover, the squad limits opponent rushing yards to 110.2 per game (13th).

Broncos starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is still in concussion protocol and might miss Sunday’s game. Drew Lock is expected to take over if Bridgewater does not get the green light. Kenny Young is the second player on the questionable list after sustaining a concussion in his recent outing.

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Chargers?

The Chargers are 4-4 in their last eight home games. This is a must-win for the team to pull away from the Raiders in the AFC West standings. Sunday presents an opportunity for the team to reacquire more driving power after losing their last two contests.

We expect the hosts to go all out on offense to offset their relatively weaker defense. There’s good contrast between a defense-oriented team like the Broncos and an offense-motivated team like the Chargers. Looking at the numbers, head coach Brandon Staley managed to make his side one of the best passing teams in the league. They average 280.5 yards (fourth) per game and produce 390.2 total yards (fourth) per game. Furthermore, the Chargers average 27.2 points (eighth) per game.

Defensively, the Chargers give up at least 27.4 opponent points (31st) per game. They have one of the weakest rushing defenses in the league as well. That said, we expect the Broncos to take advantage of the deficiency and try to put their rushing efforts to use. However, the Chargers do have more competent passing defense stats. The team limits opponents to 223.5 points (12th) per game.

The lineup might not see starters Drue Tranquill (leg) and Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) play due to injury.

Broncos vs. Chargers Betting Trends

The Broncos are 7-3 in their last ten road games against the Chargers (7-3 ATS).
The Broncos are 4-6 in their last ten road games (5-5 ATS.
The totals have gone over in two of the Broncos’ last four games against the Chargers.
The Chargers are 2-3 in their last five games at the SoFi Stadium (1-4 ATS).
The Chargers are 1-4 in their last five games against the Broncos (1-4 ATS).
The totals have gone under in five of the Chargers’ last five games against the Broncos.

Broncos vs. Chargers Expert Betting Predictions

The Denver Broncos have the defense to keep things close. Their offense slowed down as of late, which means the other end has to carry the workload. However, the visitors are still a threat to cover the spread and might even have enough in the tank to steal a win. But, the advantage goes to the Chargers in this one. Other than the fact that they have the comfort of their home crowd, the hosts have a better overall record despite several ups and downs this season.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.