The Denver Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers for an exciting AFC West rivalry matchup on Sunday. This matchup features two teams headed to the playoffs and are some of the powerhouse teams in the NFL, however, with the division title out of reach for the playoffs, this game carries less weight compared to the others we have or will witness in this final week.
Our Broncos vs Chargers picks highlight where the value stands for spread, total, and player props, plus a same-game parlay to round things out.
For our expert pick, we chose the Denver Broncos to win the game, and the reason why is largely due to the fact that Chargers’ QB1 Justin Herbert and select starters will not play in this game and will rest, since the Charger, win/lose, will be headed to the wildcard round with the divisional title out of reach.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have a lot to gain with a win, since they will capture the No.1 seed at AFC if they manage to take out the Chargers who will be missing a lot of players due to injury or rest. They control their seeding fate going into the final week of the 2025-26 NFL regular season and you can expect their A game in this matchup.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert will NOT play on Sunday vs. the Broncos, per HC Jim Harbaugh.
The reason for Broncos’ success this season has been their stout defense which has maintained its top 10 passing defense all season long. Allowing only 192.4 yards per game and 18 passing TDs, they are in position to win the AFC’s No.1 seed and while the Chargers are excellent on the offensive end, they are missing a bunch of players including Omarion Hampton, Keenan Allen, Derius Davis, Khalil Mack, and Kimani Vidal, which could cripple the Chargers’ offense, ultimately leading to less than 163.5 yards. Their QB Trey Lance has also not started a single game this season and has never crossed even 50 passing yards so far, which makes this a great bet.
Best Bet #2: R.J. Harvey under 56.5 rushing yards
R.J. Harvey has only four games beyond 56.5 yards this season and has not yet crossed 100 plus yards in his career. He averages 3.9 rushing yards per attempt and 8.2 attempts per game, which indicates that he does not get a lot of touches in a single game. Also, the Chargers have an excellent rushing defense that only allows 104.7 yards per game, which makes us believe this is a reasonable bet.
Player Props to Target
Here are some of best player props to place your bet on for Sunday’s game.
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Same-Game Parlay
Here are same-game parlays for the game between Broncos vs Chargers, as per FanDuel.
We chose this same-game parlay around the Denver Broncos to win comfortably at home. Courtland Sutton is the go-to receiver for the team and has recorded 2 TDs in the last three games, with significant increase in touches over the last four games with 10 or more receptions in each game.
Similarly, rookie RB RJ Harvey has been utilized as a red-zone threat this season with 3 rushing TDs and a receiving TD in the last four games. With the Chargers missing majority of the players both on the offensive and the defensive side of the field, this is a safe bet.
Bo Nix is a threat to score at any time as he’s recorded 6 passing TDs in his last three games, and he’s also contributed a rushing touchdowns going against the Chiefs last week. With the Chargers’ passing defense missing majority of the players from their lineup, this is a great bet.
Courtland Sutton 50+ Yards receiving yards (-154)+ Bo Nix under 1.5 passing TDs (-118)+ Trey Lance under 0.5 passing touchdowns (-116)
Courtland Sutton has had an amazing string of games in the last 5 weeks, posting beyond 50+ yards in 4 of the five games. Part of that is the increased volume of targets that he’s been getting with 10 or more in the last four games. He also recorded a 113 yards performance against the Packers, which makes us believe that 50+ yards in this game is probable.
Bo Nix has only recorded 2 or more passing TDs in 6 of 17 games this season and is not exactly an explosive offensive player. The Broncos are more likely to jump out to an early lead and control the clock in this game, making it likely that Nix stays under 1.5 TDs. The Chargers rank 7th in the league this season in scoring defense allowing 20.1 points per game, making this a great bet.
Trey Lance under 0.5 passing touchdowns is likely as he is making his first start this season and has not recorded a touchdown since the 2021 season. The Broncos have one of the best defensive units in the league, and have little to no flaws in their defense, which could likely give Lance a tough day at the office, making this a safe bet.
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Broncos vs Chargers Odds
Looking at the spread and the moneyline, the Broncos are the overwhelming favorites to beat the Chargers, as per BetMGM.
Odds updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026. Lines may move throughout the day.
Matchup Analysis
Offense vs Defense breakdown for the Broncos vs Chargers
The Denver Broncos (13-3) have clinched the AFC West but are pushing for the No.1 seed. At home under Sean Payton, they average 44 PPG, led by QB Bo Nix (3,790 yards, 25 TDs). While their defense tops the NFL with 64 sacks and rank 3rd overall, with 282.1 defensive yards average and 29 TDs allowed (league best).
The Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) already a wild card team, will rest QB Justin Herbert and key starters like Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack, and Derwin James. Backup Trey Lance gets his first start as a Charger, facing Denver’s dominant pass rush behind a depleted offensive line.
Trends to Know for Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers
Here are a few betting trends to keep in mind for Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers are resting their starters in this game.
The Broncos can secure the No.1 seed with a win.
Denver is 4-4 against the spread and 7-1 overall, at home.
Denver has covered the spread in a game six times this season (6-10-0).
How to Watch Broncos vs Chargers Today
Date: January 4, 2025
Time: 4: 25 PM EST
TV: CBS
Streaming: FUBOTV
Injuries and Weather Report
Injury Report for Los Angeles Chargers
Player
Postion
Injury
Status
Keenan Allen
WR
NIR – Rest
(-)
Bradley Bozeman
C
Concussion
Questionable
Derius Davis
WR
Ankle
(-)
Omarion Hampton
RB
Ankle
Out
Hassan Haskins
RB
Concussion
Questionable
Justin Herbert
QB
Left Hand/NIR – Rest
(-)
Derwin James
S
NIR – Rest
(-)
Khalil Mack
OLB
NIR – Rest
(-)
R.J. Mickens
S
Shoulder
Questionable
Elijah Molden
DB
Hamstring
Doubtful
Nikko Reed
CB
Hamstring
Out
Jamaree Salyer
OL
Hamstring
Doubtful
Benjamin St-Juste
CB
Shoulder
Questionable
Tuli Tuipulotu
OLB
NIR- Rest
(-)
Kimani Vidal
RB
Neck
Questionable
Injury Report for Los Angeles Chargers
Player
Postion
Injury
Status
Nate Adkins
TE
Knee
(-)
Pat Bryant
WR
Concussion
(-)
Ben Powers
G
Biceps
(-)
Karene Reid
LB
Hamstring
Out
John Franklin-Myers
DE
Hip
Questionable
Dre Greenlaw
LB
Hamstring
Out
Weather for the Broncos vs Chargers Game
The weather forcast predicts a partially cloudy sky with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to mid 60s Fahrenheit. The impact on the game should be minimal with 0% chance for rain.
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FAQs
Who is favored to win between the Broncos vs Chargers? The Broncos are 16.5-point favorites to win the matchup against Chargers.
What is the over/under total for the game? The over/under for total points is set at 36.5.
Where will the Broncos vs Chargers match take place? The Broncos vs Chargers set will be played at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, home of the Broncos.
I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.
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