2024-25 NFL Week 16 Match Preview - Denver vs. Los Angeles: Can the Broncos crush the Chargers at SoFi Stadium? December 19, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

It is only getting exciting as the Denver Broncos prepare to face their divisional foes the Los Angeles Chargers in a highly important matchup during Week 16 of the year on Thursday, December 19. The play will start at 8:15 p.m. EST at SoFi Stadium, and both teams will be having a playoff chance in the increasingly competitive AFC West. It promises to be an intense game between two franchises determined to give a fight.

Denver comes to the game at 9-5, marking their first winning season since 2016. The latest victory in the four-game winning streak was a triumphant comeback against the Indianapolis Colts that turned out to be a 31-13 score after being down by two scores. The hope is alive for Broncos fans as the team continues its push for its first playoff berth since the retirement of Peyton Manning.

Denver vs. Los Angeles Sports Bet Odds

The Chargers are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Chargers are favored by 3 points, with a money line of -150.
• The Broncos are the underdogs by 3 points, with a money line of +130.
• The over/under is set at 42 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Staring down the barrel as the season's first game against the only major rival head coach Nick Saban's alma mater will be rookie quarterback Bo Nix. His dazzling play at times has certainly been the stuff dreams are made of, but it's not all pretty, and his status isn't for the faint-hearted at all. He has 20 touchdown passes this season, but on the negative side, he has delivered 11 interceptions, the joint-sixth-most in the league. How he performs against the defense of the Chargers will be of significant importance, particularly with a focus on receiver Courtland Sutton, who has 878 yards receiving this season.

The core of the Broncos' success has been their defense, which is drawing comparisons to the legendary "No Fly Zone" era. Leading the NFL in sacks and strong in creating turnovers, the defense is highlighted by stars Nik Bonitto and Patrick Surtain II; both are up for award contention. Their relentless pressure would also keep the Chargers quarterback under duress, as he has tripped previously due to his struggles under that pressure.

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report

Denver Broncos

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Riley Moss	CB	Out
Jaleel McLauglin	WR	Out

Los Angeles Chargers

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Otito Ogbonnia	DT	Questionable
Elijah Molden	CB	Questionable
Cam Hart	CB	Out
Will Dissly	TE	Out

The Chargers stand at 8-6, and right now they are reeling following two losses in a row, with the latest defeat being at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But they are still considered rather dangerous by the opponents thanks to Herbert, who already has 2,959 yards and 16 touchdown passes this season. Herbert might very much depend on his two top receiver targets, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, to penetrate Denver's thick defense.

Injury setbacks are terrible for the Chargers because cornerback Cam Hart and tight end Will Dissly are both going to miss this week's game. This can create cracks in their defense which, thus, adds pressure on heads like linebacker Denzel Perryman and safety Derwin James to deliver goods.

It does not get any more serious than this: a team's playoff hopes are on the line. For the Broncos, a win would all but guarantee them a playoff spot, while for the Chargers, regaining their momentum is of utmost importance since they are in a closely contested division. Denver dominated the last five clashes with three victories and was better in the important moments.

SoFi Stadium will see both teams leaning on their strengths, with terrific defense coming from the Denver side while budding talent Nix getting time in the limelight, all against experienced playmakers of the opposing Chargers with Herbert. This game is not just a matter of playoff position; it is a clash of rivalry and pride within a great tradition. Expect to see a very festive Thursday Night Football showdown as these AFC West powerhouses give their all in pursuit of postseason glory.

2024 Comparative Los Angeles vs. San Francisco

Denver Broncos 2nd AFC West (9-5) Away (4-3) | W4		Los Angeles Chargers 3rd AFC West (8-6) Home (4-3) | L2
24.0	Points Per Game	21.0
202.7	Passing Yards Per Game	196.4
108.4	Rushing Yards Per Game	105.8
49	Total Sacks	40
14	Total Interceptions	14