The Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) visit the “Mile High City” to play the division rival Denver Broncos (2-4) Sunday in Week 8 at 4:05 p.m. ET. Here, we analyze the Chargers-Broncos Week 8 matchup, including the betting odds, spread and lines, and our NFL picks and predictions.
Chargers at Broncos betting odds and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8:39 p.m. ET
- Money line: Chargers -182 (bet $182, win $100) | Broncos +155 (bet $100, win $155)
- Against the spread/ATS: Chargers -3.5 (-106) | Broncos +3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Chargers at Broncos game notes
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Los Angeles beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 39-29 last week, but bettors holding a Chargers -8 ticket were a little lucky to cash it. The Chargers were down seven points late in the third quarter before scoring 17 unanswered points to finish the game.
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Denver got rolled by the Kansas City Chiefs 43-16 in Week 7, but not in the way you’d expect. The Chiefs offense was outgained in total yards, 411-286, but scored on a pick-six and a 102-yard kick return for a touchdown.
- This is a generation-old rivalry that a lot of recent trends don’t apply to since each team has new quarterbacks at the helm. For what it’s worth, the road team is 13-5-2 ATS in the last 20 meetings and the underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six.
Chargers at Broncos key injuries
Chargers
- OT Bryan Bulaga (back) questionable
- QB Tyrold Taylor (ribs) questionable
- OG Trai Turner (groin) out
Broncos
- LB Jeremiah Attaochu (quadriceps) questionable
- OT Demar Dotson (non-injury related) questionable
- TE Noah Fant (ankle) questionable
- RB Phillip Lindsay (concussion) questionable
- WR Tim Patrick (hamstring) questionable
- KR Diontae Spencer (shoulder) out
Chargers at Broncos: Odds, prediction, betting lines and picks
Prediction
Broncos 24, Chargers 14
Money line (?)
The BRONCOS (+155) are getting a little healthier on offense and the run game has looked pretty good recently featuring the two-headed monster of RB Melvin Gordon and RB Phillip Lindsay.
Denver has outgained its opponent in each of the past three games and held the opposing team’s passing attack to under 200 yards. Chargers rookie QB Justin Herbert has played five awesome games in a row but is due for some first-year regression. The underrated Denver defense has the capability of humbling Herbert.
I am going to hit the spread harder but I’ll SPRINKLE ON BRONCOS (+155). (Place a quarter-unit wager on Broncos money line).
Against the spread (?)
The reason the Chargers -3.5 (-106) have had trouble closing out games this season is that they don’t have a reliable rushing attack to lean on — Los Angeles is 27th in yards per carry.
Also, if the BRONCOS +3.5 (-115) don’t turn the ball over, it should be alright against this so-so Chargers defense. Los Angeles only has five takeaways on the season, while its defense is ranked 18th in opponent’s points per game and 19th in opponent’s yards per game.
We like Denver to spoil Herbert’s first road game in Mile High, so we “LOVE” BRONCOS +3.5 (-115) for some insurance.
Over/Under (?)
The Broncos rank 29th in third-down conversion and 30th in red zone-conversion percentage. Also, four of the previous five Chargers-Broncos games have gone Under the total and their last game only went Over the 39 total by four points.
Furthermore, the Under is 10-2-1 in Broncos’ last 13 vs. AFC West opponents. UNDER 44.5 (-110) is the right side of the total.
Want action on this NFL game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- How L.A. offensive line might shake up vs. Denver (Chargers Wire)
- Gordon prepared to face former team in L.A. (Broncos Wire)
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