The Denver Broncos have lost two straight games and will look to stop the bleeding against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night. Can Russell Wilson and Denver Earn a Win to get back to .500?
Let’s see what the NFL odds tell us at the top sportsbooks!
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Monday, October 17, 2022 – 08:15 PM EDT at SoFi Stadium
What You Should Know
The Broncos have struggled in most areas to start the season. Coaching has been an issue, and quarterback play hasn’t been much better. Nathaniel Hackett’s in his first year as a head coach. He won the head coaching job after previously holding the offensive coordinator position in Green Bay.
The offense for Denver has been incredibly awful to begin the year. The Broncos brought in Russell Wilson to be the starting quarterback, and he’s done nothing to help Denver get back on track.
On the other hand, the Chargers are on a two-game winning streak with wins over the Browns and Texans on the road. It doesn’t matter what teams you’re playing. If you can win games on the road in the NFL, it’s a big achievement.
Heading into Monday Night, the Chargers are listed as five-point favorites against the Broncos.
When the Broncos Have the Ball
The Broncos have averaged 363.4 yards per game this season, only to score 15 points per game. Denver has had trouble finishing drives. The talent is there.
Wilson has thrown for 1254 yards and has 4 touchdowns to go along with 3 interceptions. He’s found his favorite target in Courtland Sutton, who has 29 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown.
The running game is still a work in progress. Javonte Williams is out for the season, leaving Melvin Gordon as the lead back along with Mike Boone and Latavious Murray.
The offense hasn’t played well this season. Instead, they’ve been bailed out by their defense.
How Can They Beat the Chargers?
The Chargers have looked terrible against the run and aren’t that much better in coverage this season. Los Angeles has allowed 384 yards per game, including over 250 yards in the passing game.
Denver’s offensive line has played well for Wilson and has protected him plenty of times this season. If Denver can keep the Los Angeles pass rush away, Wilson should be able to exploit a bad Chargers defense.
When the Chargers Have the Ball
The Chargers are still going to be without Keenan Allen at wideout due to injury. Justin Herbert is still having a good time slinging the football around. He’s thrown 10 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions and has 1478 yards thrown this season.
He’s getting a lot of receivers involved, including Mike Williams, who has 28 catches for 392 yards and two touchdowns. Austin Ekeler is also being used in the passing game along with the run game and has come up big for the Chargers recently.
The offensive line has struggled for the Chargers, but the playmakers on this team are still finding ways to get the ball down the field.
How Can They Beat the Broncos?
Against Denver, the Chargers are going to struggle in the passing game. The Broncos are holding teams to 16 points per game and just 204.4 yards in the passing game this season.
The pass rush has been just as effective too. If Los Angeles wants success, they’ll have to use the run game against the Broncos, who have allowed 112.4 yards per game on the ground this season.
Broncos vs. Chargers: Pick and Prediction
The Broncos have been electric in the secondary and have a really good pass rush. Meanwhile, the Chargers haven’t blocked all that well against the pass. That’s going to be a big problem in this game for the Chargers. The Broncos will bring it defensively.
On the other hand, the Broncos haven’t been consistent on the offensive end, but they do have more skill at most positions, especially with Keenan Allen out for the Chargers.
The Broncos now have three running backs that they’re confident in and have multiple receivers that can make plays down the field against an underwhelming Chargers’ defense.
The only thing the Chargers do well defensively is pass rush. But Denver’s offensive line should be up to the challenge.
For your NFL picks, back the Broncos on the road at +5.
NFL Pick: Broncos +5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
