Week 16 starts off with a matchup that will heavily influence the AFC wild card race with the Denver Broncos (9-5) visiting the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6).
It was a slow start, but Denver flexed its muscle in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts to cruise into a fourth-straight victory. The defense has been shining with three touchdowns in the past two games and the offense has also had some strong play. With the way the Broncos are playing, they could lock up a playoff spot soon.
The best scoring defense in the league got ripped apart for 40 points by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in one of Los Angeles’ worst performances this season. The Chargers have stumbled with three losses in the last four games, and Jim Harbaugh will have to tighten things up if he doesn’t want his team to have a later-season collapse.
The Chargers are favorites to defeat the Broncos, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Chargers vs. Broncos | Chiefs vs. Texans | Ravens vs. Steelers | Bengals vs. Browns | Falcons vs. Giants | Bills vs. Patriots | Panthers vs. Cardinals | Bears vs. Lions | Colts vs. Titans | Jets vs. Rams | Commanders vs. Eagles | Seahawks vs. Vikings | Raiders vs. Jaguars | Dolphins vs. 49ers | Cowboys vs. Buccaneers | Packers vs. Saints
The Chargers got steamrolled in Week 15. How will Jim Harbaugh’s team bounce back on a short week? The Chargers haven’t lost three-straight games all season. The Chargers’ mediocre offense manufactures enough points to survive.
After Los Angeles blitzed Denver in the first matchup, it wouldn’t be shocking for the Broncos to start off aggressive to avoid the same fate. Denver is a much better team than when these teams last met, and the Broncos force mistakes and win a gritty game.
(This story was updated to change a video.)
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.