Recent Performance:
- Chargers: After a strong start, the Chargers have lost three of their last four games, bringing their season record to 8-6. A close defeat to the Chiefs was followed by a disappointing blow out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The message from the team after the game was “What’s done is done” and they will be looking to respond this week in style. Their offense however has struggled to find consistency, strangely enough, the offensive has scored 17 points in each of their last 3 matches. Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey will need to be on song to improve this stat. From a 7-3 record to an 8-6 record, head coach Jim Harbaugh will be desperate to record a victory. Harbaugh, you may remember, was head coach of the Michigan Wolverines who featured on the hit TV series, All or Nothing.
- Broncos: In contrast, the Broncos have won six of their last eight games, improving to 9-5 and are on a four-game winning run. This has included victories over the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons. The previous two defeats were to the Superbowl chasing Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been instrumental in this resurgence, throwing 20 touchdowns this season. He has however had some recent struggles including a three-interception game against the Colts. The offense though has clicked with the team scoring an average of 35 point in their last four matches.
Recent records show this is a tight match up, with Denver currently holding a 3-2 record against the Chargers in their last five matchups.
Playoff Implications:
A win for the Broncos would clinch their first playoff berth since Super Bowl 50. The Chargers, currently holding the 7th seed with an 86% playoff probability, are also in a critical position and need a victory to strengthen their postseason prospects.
Prediction:
The Chargers tend to start strong. Looking at the first half alone, the Chargers would have a record of 10-4 where the Broncos would sit 8-6. When the two teams met earlier this season, the Chargers ran out to a 20-0 lead at half time. The Broncos fought back to give the score some credibility, winning the last quarter 16-0. Expect similar on Thursday night with the Chargers in need of a win, starting strong. With the Broncos having scored 20 points or more in the second half in the last three matches, backing the double result of Chargers/Broncos may also be a good play.
Tips:
1st Half Winner – Los Angeles Chargers @ 5/6
Double Result – Los Angeles Chargers/Denver Broncos @ 13/2