The Los Angeles Chargers resume play in NFL Week 6 after a necessary bye week, traveling to Denver for their third AFC West game of the year.
The Bolts would move up to 3-2 and improve their divisional record to 2-1 with a victory over the Broncos.
Los Angeles can stop Denver’s current winning streak at three games and prevent a three-game losing streak. With an all-time record of 72 victories, 55 defeats, and one tie in the series, the Broncos have defeated their longstanding divisional opponent three times in a row.
With their quarterback recovering from an ankle injury, will the Chargers defeat one of the best defenses in the NFL? Can quarterback Bo Nix lead Denver to victory in his own difficult game? For the battle of the Oregon Ducks alumni quarterbacks, we offer the game odds and the best wager.
Chargers vs. Broncos predictions
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Broncos + 2.5 (-118 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
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Under 35.5 (-110 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
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Justin Herbert under 190.5 passing yards (-115 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
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After suffering an ankle ailment that seemed to impair his play in a Week 4 defeat to Kansas City, Herbert was given the week off to further heal. He gained 179 yards and a touchdown on 16 passes.
The former Oregon standout and current Charger hasn’t had a full practice since September 13, according to Pro Football Talk. Published reports state that he did say he felt better this week.
Herbert has yet to pass for 180 yards in a game this season. With Ladd McConkey in his rookie season, Quentin Johnston trying to get past a dismal first season, and Joshua Palmer dealing with elbow and calf problems, it’s difficult to get used to a new-look pass-catching group.
Now that Denver’s pass defense is the fifth-ranked unit in the NFL, Herbert and his receivers need to try to get going or at least play better. With eight takeaways, the Broncos are second in the AFC and third in the NFL in terms of total defense.
However, the Chargers, who have the fifth-ranked defense in the NFL, have a chance to win this game if they can keep the football safe. Los Angeles is tied for the fewest turnovers in the NFL with just two.
A winning recipe might consist of Herbert outperforming Nix while maintaining above-average defensive play and winning the turnover fight.
Nix has skillfully led the attack while exhibiting greater poise and confidence since Denver’s opening two games of the season ended in defeat. The former Ducks star is shown that, unlike some other young quarterbacks, he will make timely and intelligent plays without taking too many chances.
So far, the combination of a conservative attack and strong defense has proven to be effective enough. If Nix can guide the Broncos to their first 4-2 start in eight years and only their second in sixteen, it will be a significant accomplishment.
NFL Week 6 Chargers vs. Broncos odds
Despite the fact that Denver has improved in its last three games, the Chargers are favored by 2.5 points. According to TeamRankings, the Bolts are 2-0 ATS thus far this season.
The trends encourage picking the under in a predicted defensive fight, and the over/under is at 35.5. Denver started the 2024 season 3-1 to the under, and Los Angeles has not hit on the over in its first four games.
In terms of overall offense, the home club is ranked 28th, while the visitors are ranked 29th.
Chargers vs. Broncos moneyline odds analysis
Why Los Angeles could win as the favorite
The best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook are -405.
Los Angeles gives up 12.5 points per game, which is an NFL low. To relieve some of the burden on Nix, the Broncos might try to run the ball efficiently, but the Bolts are strong against the run and have the sixth-best rushing defense in the NFL.
Chargers RB With 85.5 rushing yards per game, J.K. Dobbins is ranked fifth in the NFL and is a productive starting running back in the first season after Austin Ekeler. For the third straight road game, Johnston will be trying to catch a touchdown pass.
OLB OLB Joey Bosa (questionable, hip) has a sack in two of his previous three games versus the Broncos, while Khalil Mack has a sack in three of his last four AFC West meetings. In Week 4, OLB Bud DuPree recorded his fifth two-sack performance in his career.
Herbert has only thrown one interception, despite not appearing to be nearly as productive as he was in previous seasons. Bettors and astute fans would rely on Herbert to win if it comes down to him or the rookie quarterback making a crucial play.
Why Denver could win as the underdog
BetMGM Sportsbook’s best odds are +130.
However, if Nix plays the error-free style of the previous games, he is unlikely to commit a mistake that costs his team the game. After throwing two picks in each of his first two NFL starts, the Broncos’ future quarterback has not thrown an interception in his previous three games.
In Week 5, Nix further won over the Denver fan base by passing for two touchdowns for the first time in his career in a 34-18 thumping of the Raiders. He is the only rookie quarterback in Denver history to start and win three straight games.
In 1983, John Elway began with two victories before dropping six straight games.
In five of his last seven AFC West games, wide receiver Courtland Sutton has caught a touchdown pass. For the sixth time in his career, running back Javonte Williams finished with 111 scrimmage yards last week.
DE Zach Allen has had a sack in three of his last four games and is the only NFL player with five tackles for a loss this season. In his last three games, OLB Nik Bonitto has been sackable. With 19 sacks, the Broncos are third in the league.
Last week, CB Patrick Surtain II returned one of the two passes he intercepted for a 100-yard touchdown. According to Pro Football Focus, Riley Moss is the seventh-best cornerback of any player at his position.
According to SB Nation, the Chargers are hurt; at the start of the practice week, seven players were listed as out of practice and nine as limited. Denver’s low-risk, defense-first strategy should help them defeat teams like the Chargers that are on an even playing field.
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