Broncos vs. Chargers: Thursday Night Football Odds, Pick, and Preview
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers will face off in a pivotal AFC West showdown on Thursday Night Football, taking place on December 21, 2024. Both teams are well into the second half of the season, with playoff hopes still very much alive for one of them, while the other may be entering a potential rebuilding phase.
With a 7-7 record, the Chargers are in a more favorable playoff position compared to the Broncos, who are 5-9 as they continue their quest for relevance in the division. Let’s break down the game in terms of odds, key players, and a pick for the game, along with everything you need to know ahead of this crucial matchup.
Broncos vs. Chargers: Game Details
- Date: Thursday, December 21, 2024
- Time: 8:15 PM ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- TV: Prime Video (US)
2024 Season Breakdown
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have shown some flashes of promise under head coach Sean Payton, but they’ve struggled with consistency all season. With a 5-9 record, Denver has already faced the harsh reality that a playoff berth is now a long shot, unless they run the table in the final three weeks of the season, which is no easy task.
Despite struggles on offense, the Broncos still have one of the league’s more formidable defenses. With defensive stars like Pat Surtain II, Randy Gregory, and Josie Jewell, they can stifle opposing offenses, but they haven’t been able to consistently capitalize on those efforts.
Offensively, quarterback Russell Wilson has had a rollercoaster year. At times, he’s shown glimpses of his former Pro Bowl self, but he’s also been prone to costly mistakes. Javonte Williams is a solid running back, but injuries have limited his effectiveness this season, and the lack of a true No. 1 receiver has hampered their passing attack.
The Broncos have struggled to score points, which is always going to be a liability when facing high-powered offenses like the Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers
On the flip side, the Chargers have a much better shot at the postseason. With a 7-7 record, they are still in the hunt for a wild-card spot, though their margin for error is slim. The Chargers have a potent offense, driven by one of the league’s most gifted quarterbacks in Justin Herbert.
Herbert has had an up-and-down year, but he still has the talent to make throws that most quarterbacks can only dream of. He’s surrounded by a wealth of skill players, including Austin Ekeler, who is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league, and Keenan Allen, a highly skilled wide receiver who continues to defy Father Time. Mike Williams adds another dimension when healthy, and Gerald Everett provides a solid safety net at tight end.
Defensively, however, the Chargers have been far from dominant. While the front seven, led by Joey Bosa, has shown flashes of excellence, the secondary remains suspect, often leaving Herbert and the offense to outscore opponents rather than lean on the defense.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Russell Wilson vs. Chargers Defense
- Wilson has had a tough season in terms of consistency, but he has the ability to elevate his game. The Chargers’ secondary is exploitable, and if Wilson can avoid turnovers and use Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton effectively, he might find success in a high-scoring affair.
- Justin Herbert vs. Broncos Defense
- The Broncos have one of the top-ranked defenses in the NFL, with a secondary that can be a challenge for any quarterback. However, Herbert‘s ability to make pinpoint throws downfield could expose the Broncos’ defensive backfield, especially with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams running routes.
- Javonte Williams vs. Chargers Run Defense
- Denver’s ground game is a crucial part of their offense. The Chargers’ run defense has been inconsistent all year, and Williams will look to take advantage of this weakness. If the Broncos can control the tempo with the run game, it could take pressure off Wilson and help them stay competitive in this matchup.
Betting Odds
As of now, the Chargers enter the game as the home favorites.
- Point Spread: Chargers -3.5
- Moneyline: Broncos +160, Chargers -190
- Over/Under: 45.5 points
The point spread suggests that the oddsmakers believe the Chargers will win by just a few points, making this a potentially close game. The Broncos are 5-9 this season, but they have been competitive in many of their losses. Denver’s defense will likely keep this game tight, but their inability to score consistently puts them at a disadvantage.
Key Injuries
- Broncos:
- Javonte Williams (RB): Williams has battled through knee injuries this season, but he’s been slowly improving. His health will be pivotal to the Broncos’ ability to control the clock.
- Russell Wilson (QB): Although Wilson hasn’t been listed on the injury report lately, any lingering injuries could further limit his effectiveness. He needs to be at his best to keep the Broncos competitive.
- Patrick Surtain II (CB): Denver’s top cornerback has had an exceptional season, but if he’s slowed by injury, it could be a significant loss against Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
- Chargers:
- Joey Bosa (EDGE): Bosa has been dealing with some injuries, but he is an essential part of the Chargers’ pass rush. His presence could make life difficult for Russell Wilson.
- Mike Williams (WR): Williams’ health will be crucial. If he can play, his ability to stretch the field will provide Herbert with a dangerous deep threat.
Prediction and Pick
While the Chargers have been far from perfect this season, their offense is a significant advantage over the Broncos’ struggling attack. Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, and Austin Ekeler should find success against the Broncos’ defense, and the Chargers’ offense can keep pace with any team in the league.
On the flip side, Russell Wilson will have his work cut out for him. The Broncos are not a high-scoring team, and unless their defense forces several turnovers or sacks, they may struggle to keep up with Herbert and company.
Chargers -3.5 seems like the safe pick, as they’ve been consistent enough to take care of a Broncos team that struggles on offense. The Broncos’ defense will make things difficult, but ultimately, the Chargers’ offensive firepower should prevail in this game.
Final Score Prediction: Chargers 27, Broncos 20
Live Conversation
During the game, there will be plenty of points to discuss. Here’s what fans and analysts might focus on as the game unfolds:
- First Quarter: Early control of the game will likely be determined by which team can establish its running game. If Javonte Williams can get going early, it could slow down the game and keep Herbert off the field.
- Mid-Game Adjustments: The Broncos’ defense will need to adjust to stop Keenan Allen and the short, quick throws that Herbert likes. Look for Pat Surtain II to shadow Allen, which could make life harder for Herbert.
- Fourth Quarter Drama: With both teams being so reliant on their quarterbacks, expect the Chargers’ offense to come alive in the second half, but don’t count out the Broncos entirely—Wilson has a knack for making late-game heroics, especially when there’s no margin for error.
In this exciting AFC West matchup, the edge might ultimately come down to which team can limit turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Fans can expect a high-energy game that could go down to the wire.
