Week 6 of the NFL season features a slew of divisional rivalries, one of which pits the Chargers against the Broncos. Can Denver extend its three-game winning streak to four, or will Los Angeles be too tough coming off its bye week?
We'll answer those questions and more below! Our betting preview will get you locked and loaded for this intriguing matchup between AFC West foes. Enjoy the game, and best of luck with all of your wagers in Week 6.
Oddsmakers opened this line with the Chargers as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday evening. A plethora of sharp action came in on Los Angeles, so much so that the Chargers are now a 3-point road favorite over Denver.
There may not be much scoring in this divisional affair. Sportsbooks opened the game total at 36.5, which is obviously low for an NFL game. That said, lots of early money on the Under has pushed the total down to 35.5.
Jim Harbaugh's crew should be fired up and ready to do battle after enjoying a bye in Week 5. The extended rest should mean that star offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater will be back in the starting lineup for the Bolts. Justin Herbert should also be much healthier.
Harbaugh has gone to great lengths to protect Herbert early on this season. He's called running plays on 53% of Los Angeles's offensive snaps, which is the 2nd most in the league. Now that Herbert is finally closer to 100%, look for Harbaugh to be more aggressive with some play-action passes.
The Chargers defense has been a pleasant surprise so far in 2024. They lead the league in points allowed (12.5 ppg) and are 5th in yards per rush allowed (3.9). Those numbers are impressive, but we have to remember that the Chargers have only faced one team with a pulse on offense so far (Kansas City).
Lots of Broncos fans were calling for Sean Payton's head after an 0-2 start to the 2024 campaign. Then, all of a sudden, the Denver defense started to play like the '85 Bears. The Broncos rank 2nd in both yards per play allowed (4.4) and points per game allowed (14.6).
Pat Surtain II leads the team with 2 interceptions, one of which he took back 100 yards for a score in Week 5. Jonathan Cooper has also been a key piece for the Denver defense, as he's already racked up 4 sacks this year.
As for the offense, Bo Nix is starting to look a little more comfortable after an atrocious start. The former Oregon standout has thrown for 866 yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season. His favorite offensive weapon is Courtland Sutton, who has earned 41 targets.
I'm kicking myself for not betting on the Chargers at the opening price of -1.5. Even still, I think this is a fantastic spot for Jim Harbaugh and Co. The bye week came at just the right time, and the running game should be even more dominant since they're probably getting their two starting tackles back.
As much as I respect this Denver team, I think they're due for some negative regression. Nix has been better but I'm not willing to put too much stock in his good performance against a bad Raiders team last week.
The Broncos offense ranks next to last in third-down conversions and just 26th in red zone scoring. I'm betting on a big game from Mr. Herbert and for the Bolts to get us an easy cover!
Prediction: Chargers 24 - Broncos 14