Can the Denver Broncos clinch a playoff spot against the Chargers
We’re at the final stretch of the NFL season with just three weeks of football left to play. Every game will increase in importance with playoff spots officially on the line. Kicking off Week 16 will be the Denver Broncos taking on the the Los Angeles Chargers. With a win on Thursday Night, the Broncos will clinch a playoff spot while the Chargers need to win and need some help.
The second year of Sean Payton in Denver has gone much better than the first. Rookie Bo Nix has been the perfect quarterback to lead Payton’s offense while the defense has continued to be the best in the NFL. If the Broncos win and clinch a spot in the playoffs, they will have made the postseason for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in 2015.
After winning the matchup back in Week 6, the Chargers will be going for the season sweep over the Broncos. However, they are coming off of back-to-back losses for the first time since Weeks 3 and 4 when they lost to the Steelers and Chiefs. Justin Herbert has been efficient, but almost held back by the Chargers offense. Defensively, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has led an impressive group. The Chargers are on the verge of the playoffs and are just looking to make it official.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Chargers are 2.5-point favorites against the Broncos. While the Chargers beat the Broncos on the road earlier this season, Nix has been playing better and it’s not easy to beat the same team twice. Still, with this game being at home for the Chargers, I’ll take them to win by a field goal
The Pick: Chargers (-2.5)
Season Record: 21-24
