Broncos vs Chargers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/19/24

DENVER vs. LA CHARGERS (LAC -2.5, 41.5)

NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS

Broncos vs Chargers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/19/24

BRONCOS @ CHARGERS 12/19/24

On a high note with their season-best four consecutive wins, the Denver Broncos are gearing up for a playoff showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. This is a significant milestone for the Broncos. They last tasted playoff success in 2015 when they won the Super Bowl under the stewardship of quarterback Peyton Manning. Now, the team's hopes are pinned on rookie QB Bo Nix, who has steered Denver from a mediocre 5-5 start to the brink of double-digit victories for the first time since the Manning era.

The Broncos are also tantalizingly close to securing a playoff spot this week. A win or a tie against the Chargers, coupled with losses or ties from the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts, could send Denver on its way to the playoffs.

That said, Nix must address the issue of turnovers, something he admits after throwing three interceptions despite his three touchdown passes in the recent home victory over the Colts.

Earlier this season, the Broncos could have owned a four-game winning streak, but the Chargers bested them with a 23-16 victory in Week 6 in Denver. In that loss, Denver came back from 23-0, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter. This comeback could arguably be the moment the Broncos revived their season. Since then, the team has recorded a 6-2 run, surpassing the Chargers in the AFC West rankings.

Despite consecutive losses and a recent 40-17 home defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chargers are still two games ahead of their closest wild-card chaser. The Chargers can also secure a playoff spot under nearly the same circumstances as the Broncos.

Injury updates indicate that Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is the only player who missed practice on Tuesday, while the Chargers had five players sidelined during Tuesday's practice.

Denver is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last five games. The Broncos are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games against the Chargers. Los Angeles has lost two straight and three of four, but the Chargers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games..

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JUSTIN HERBERT UNDER 231.5 PASSING YARDS

Herbert has been battling an ankle injury and he’s been held Under 220 passing yards in each of his last four games. He’s averaging just 6.3 yards per attempt over those four games. The Chargers inability to run the ball has made things even more difficult for Herbert. Tonight, he’ll face one of the best defenses in the NFL. Denver blitzes at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL and they lead the NFL with 49 sacks. Tampa Bay blitzed Herbert like crazy last and he ended up with 195 yards.