The Denver Broncos head to Inglewood Monday night to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s a second-place battle in the AFC West. Both teams have been unpleasant surprises, based on their preseason projections. LA is a five-point favorite (total of 46), according to BetUS sportsbook NFL odds.
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL Odds by BetUs
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | +5 (-110) | 45½ (-110) | +190 |  |
| Chargers | -5 (-110) | 45½ (-110) | -235 | |
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Can Anyone Stay Close to Chiefs?
The Los Angeles Chargers are riding high at the moment, winning two games in a row and (perhaps) resembling the team that challenges the perennial division-Titleist Kansas City Chiefs.
If you want to take a shot against the Chiefs in the AFC West, LA is priced at +275 to win the division, Denver at +1100, with those numbers per NFL division odds.
LA is 3-2, but not nearly as consistent as they were expected to be, especially with the competition the Bolts have seen, LA was fortunate to win in Cleveland, that after a tougher-than-expected game in Houston. However, two wins in a row are just that, and the team looks to continue its momentum when the Broncos come to town.
LA has a tremendous offense, despite quarterback Justin Herbert not 100% healthy through the early part of the season. It’s second in NFL passing offense in terms of yards per game at 291.2, averaging nearly 100 yards per game on the ground and in the top 10 in scoring (24.4 points per game). Although the Denver Broncos have a great defense, they will have their toughest test thus far this season, as stopping the likes of Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams and possibly a returning Kennan Allen isn’t easy.
In the three wins to date, all against teams with losing records. LA hasn’t dominated, largest margin of points is 10 points. Eventually, the Bolts need to blow out an opponent to satisfy their skeptics, instilling some confidence at the same time.
Broncos Losers In Their Last Couple
The 2-3 Denver Broncos, having lost their last two games, have had shall we say a less-than-exciting start to their season. The Broncos haven’t hit any sort of stride on offense, with last Thursday’s 12-9 home overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts as the latest example. Averaging just 15 points per game (ahead of only those same Colts), Denver can’t possibly win a shootout against the Chargers.
Enter the stout defense, which is tasked with trying to slow the Charger roll.
The lack of chemistry between quarterback Russell Wilson, the wide receivers and even the coach (Nathaniel Hackett) has resulted in a dysfunctional unit. Factor that into your thoughts and any betting online involving this game.
Denver’s passing and rushing figures both ranked 19th in terms of yards per game, but it’s the abject lack of scoring that’s been the issue.
Now, running back Javonte Williams is finished at least through the end of 2022, after tearing his ACL and LCL in Week 4.
Denver surrenders the least amount of passing yards per game at 176.6, meaning that Herbert has his work cut out Monday night.
Can an impenetrable defense overcome an impotent offense?
Bolts to Bust Broncos
Expect a great LA Charger offense to find a way against a great Denver in this one, so the Chargers are the pick in online sports betting Monday night. Despite just a one-game difference in record, LA is a much better team than the Denver Broncos. It will prove that here.
With the Chargers needing a team they can manhandle to build some confidence, and the Bronco squad struggling to score, regardless of the opponent, this shouldn’t be close.
The Chargers have played tight games to this point in the season, but until Russell Wilson can begin clicking with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton or any other wideout, or the team finds a run game, all of the signs favor the Chargers. Herbert is getting back into form, and if you’re the Broncos, that’s not good.
Take the Chargers -5 in your NFL picks against the spread, all the way to the bank in this one.
