Chargers vs. Broncos 2022 NFL Week 18 Odds, Preview & Pick

By Hank Blaine • January 6, 2023

One of the NFL’s more unsung rivalries takes place on Sunday when the Denver Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bolts have secured the fifth seed in the AFC Playoffs but coach Brandon Staley said he won’t rest players. Denver wants to end the season on a winning note. Which team gets it done? Keep reading for odds, analysis, and a free pick for Chargers at Broncos.

Nitrobetting is ready to equip its bettors with the latest news, NFL odds, and special features for the entire duration of the 2022 NFL season. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Week 18 divisional showdown between the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos.

Chargers vs. Broncos Game Information

Thursday's #LACvsDEN injury report:

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— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 5, 2023

When: Sunday, January 8, 2023, 4:25 PM ET
Where: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
TV: CBS
Radio: ALT 98.7 (Chargers) // KOA 850 AM (Broncos)
Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Chargers (+2.5) // Broncos (-2.5)

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Chargers?

Justin Herbert leads an offense that has begun to use the rush more than it did earlier in the season. Herbert still throws for plenty of yards, but Staley knows that if the Bolts are to win in the playoffs, they must rush the football.

The Chargers rushed for 101 yards against the Colts two games back. Then in their last game, LAC rushed for 192 yards against the Rams.

The Bolts’ defense has gelled. The Chargers haven’t allowed more than 20 points in their last 4 games, all wins.

The Miami Dolphins scored 17 in a Bolts’ victory. Tennessee was good for 14. Indianapolis scored 3 and the Rams scored 10.

Why Bet on the Denver Broncos?

In the Broncos’ last 4 games, they’ve scored 24 points or more in at least 3 of them. Forget the 51-14 loss to the Rams on Christmas night.

The real games to look at are the losses to Kansas City. In those games, Denver’s maligned offense dropped 28 points and 24 points. Russell Wilson played okay versus the Chiefs in week 17. The offense rushed for 117 yards in the losing effort.

For most of the season, the Broncos’ defense has played great football. Denver’s D allows an average of 318 yards per game.

Opponents score 20.7 points each contest. If we throw out the game against the Rams, the stats would be even more impressive.

Chargers vs. Broncos Betting Trends

Chargers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games.
LAC is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on the road.
Under is 5-0 in LAC’s last 5 games.
Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous.
Denver is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
Over is 4-0 in the Broncos’ last 4 games.

Chargers vs. Broncos Expert Betting Predictions

The Denver Broncos are getting the benefit of the doubt because most don’t believe Staley plays Justin Herbert for the entire game. There’s no reason to when the Bolts will already know who their playoff opponent will be by the time this kicks off.

But Staley keeps insisting that he won’t sit any players. Even if no Chargers sit, though, the Broncos are the team to back. This happens in Denver where the Broncos are very difficult to beat. Denver’s defense has played well throughout the season, including playing great in the first game against the Chargers.

More importantly, the rushing attack has gotten going. Although the Bolts haven’t allowed a ton of points in recent games, the Chargers have allowed a lot of rushing yards. Denver will exploit LAC’s defensive flaw for the win and cover.

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