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Chargers vs. Broncos Opening Odds Suggest Playoff Battle in Week 16

Los Angeles is favored in a game the team desperately needs to win.

By Joe Summers

Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) sets to pass in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) sets to pass in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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The Chargers are reeling after suffering a second straight loss, getting blown out 40-17 by the Buccaneers to fall back to the final seed in the AFC playoff race.

Luckily, they'll quickly have another opportunity, taking on the Broncos at home in Week 16. This matchup has massive postseason implications with the winner essentially securing a spot, and opening odds suggest we'll have a dogfight on our hands.

Los Angeles is a small favorite and justifiably so, though oddsmakers don't believe this will be a blowout in either direction.

Chargers vs. Broncos Betting Odds

Over at FanDuel Sportsbook, the Chargers are three-point favorites with -164 odds on the moneyline while the Broncos are +138. The total is set at 42.5, implying a low-scoring, close contest. Both of these teams are physical and rely on their respective defenses and strong running games, so it'll be a matchup of similar strategies.

The Chargers beat the Broncos 23-16 earlier this season but these are different teams at this point in the year.

Denver has four straight wins behind excellent play from rookie QB Bo Nix. Head coach Sean Payton has done an excellent job turning things around for the franchise, similar to the way Jim Harbaugh has transformed Los Angeles' culture in his first year at the helm.

Both of these squads should make the playoffs. The Bengals, Dolphins, and Colts are all fighting for a spot, though it looks like the AFC West will have three teams make the dance. It's been one of the best divisions in the NFL this season and whoever wins this contest will likely wind up with the No. 6 six in the bracket.

Considering the way the Chargers lost their previous two games, they're in major need of a victory. Hopefully, these odds are accurate. Los Angeles should be favored but unless they tighten things up defensively, they could be staring down a third consecutive failure.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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