The Chargers scored 17 points in the second quarter and 17 unanswered points over the final three quarters in a 31-10 drubbing of the Rams. Los Angeles improved to 10-6 overall and 10-5-1 against the spread after covering as 6.5-point home favorites on the SoFi Stadium field it shares with the Rams.

The Broncos let Russell Wilson cook in Kansas City as the franchise quarterback accounted for three touchdowns. However, Denver let the Chiefs convert four-of-five red zone chances in a 27-24 Week 17 loss. The Broncos fell to 4-11 on the season, but improved to 7-9 against the spread after covering as 12.5-point road dogs.

Week 18: Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos Game Info
Date	January 8, 2023, 4:25 PM ET
Stadium	Empower Field
TV Coverage	CBS
Opening Betting Odds	Broncos -2.5 / O/U 37.5

Line Movement

The Chargers opened as 2.5-point road dogs, but with the No. 5 seed in the AFC up for grabs, Los Angeles is now a 3-point road favorite at the best online sportsbooks we track. The Broncos moneyline odds are around +150. The over-under point total opened at 37.5, but has lept as high as O/U 40 at some outlets. The OVER has hit in four of the Broncos last five games, but UNDER cashed in four of the Chargers last five games.

A Chargers win locks up the AFC's No. 5 seed. They do not plan to rest starters according to head coach Brandon Staley.

The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.

Chargers News and Notes

Los Angeles has won five of its past six games and four straight games over the Cardinals, Dolphins, Titans, Colts, and Rams.
- The Dolphins and Titans need wins to get into the playoffs, while the other three have already been eliminated.
The Chargers were without receiver Keenan Allen and Joey Bosa in their 19-16 win over the Broncos.
- Justin Herbert attempted 57 passes without a touchdown, an NFL record in a win.
- Mike Williams was limited to two receptions for 17 yards.
- Offense attempted 22 third downs, converted 50% and dominated time of possession, but were 1-for-4 in the red zone.
On the season, the Chargers have converted 52% of their red zone trips into touchdowns (19th) compared to 77.8% of them over the past three games (4th). The offense is humming.
Though it's improved, the Chargers rush defense is still leaky.
- Cam Akers averaged 6.5 yards per rush on 19 carries in last week's loss.
- Look for Latavius Murray to carry the ball 15+ times Sunday.

Broncos News and Notes

Interim head coach Jerry Rosburg nearly pulled off the upset of the season by leading the Chiefs heading into the fourth quarter of the Broncos Week 17 matchup.
- A Russell Wilson interception to start the final stanza resulted in a Chiefs touchdown and ultimately cost Denver the game.
Denver is 0-5 against the AFC West this season.
- Their average margin of defeat in those games is 5.4 points.
- They lost 19-16 in OT AT the Chargers earlier this season.
The Broncos have allowed just 16.8 points per game in seven true home games this season.
Denver committed 10 penalties for 151 yards in loss to Chargers this season.
- Broncos lose the most penalty yards per game in the NFL (58.4).
Possess elite third down defense as opposing offenses have converted 33% of their attempts.
- Broncos red zone defense has struggled over the past three games as its allowed an average of four trips per game and opposing offenses have converted a league-high 83% into touchdowns.

Betting Pick: UNDER 40

Playing at Mile High Stadium is no picnic and everything you may have assumed about the Broncos' underwhelming season-to-date gets thrown out the window with an interim head coach calling the shots. I want no part of this divisional contest where Denver has nothing to lose, the Chargers have something to gain and points will be at a premium.