The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 17 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 1:25 p.m. PT.
Who is going to come out victorious?
Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:
Gavino:
This is a game between two depleted rosters and backup quarterbacks playing. While the Chargers showed some life under interim head coach Giff Smith last weekend against the Bills, winning at Mile High is not an easy task. I believe we see a low-scoring affair that ultimately goes in the Broncos’ favor.
Broncos 17, Chargers 14
Alex K:
You know how the days between Christmas and the New Year all run together, and you never really end up doing anything because of the general brain fog of the end of the holiday season? The Chargers and Broncos are going through that, too. Don’t expect much offense from either team, as both are starting backup quarterbacks and missing their top receiver.
Chargers 17, Broncos 16
Alex I:
Both the Chargers and Broncos come into this game without much to play for from a 2023 standpoint. LA’s key injuries list is long and they fired Brandon Staley two weeks ago. Meanwhile, in Denver, Sean Payton and management decided to effectively end Russell Wilson’s Denver tenure after a loss to New England.
Jarrett Stidham will get the start at quarterback in Wilson’s place. Stidham vs. Easton Stick is probably not the matchup many expected coming into the season. But between the two skeleton squads, the Chargers have gotten worse offensive results recently. Denver has more of their key contributors available to them (in other words, they’re not starting Quentin Johnston against Patrick Surtain).
The tank keeps on rolling, but the Chargers keep it competitive in Giff Smith’s third game.
Broncos 17, Chargers 16
Valentina:
The Chargers face the Broncos on Sunday and it will definitely be an interesting game since both teams are starting their backup quarterbacks. While Justin Herbert is out due to an injury, Denver has had some major internal problems as Broncos head coach Sean Payton chose to bench quarterback Russell Wilson. With all the drama going on in Denver, I think the Chargers will take this one home.
Chargers 20, Broncos 16