Expert prediction
NFL Week 18: LA Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 4)
- Nikola Velickovic
- Dec 31, 2025 at 5:41 AM EST
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Chargers vs. Broncos odds favor Denver at -850.
- Denver has to win to clinch the No.1 seed in the AFC.
- Chargers will probably rest some of their best players.
This is a divisional matchup, but for the Broncos, it is more than that. With a win here, they secure the top spot in the conference.
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How to Watch
- When: Sunday, January 4, 4:25 pm ET
- Where: Mile High, Denver, Colorado
- How to Watch: CBS
Chargers vs. Broncos Odds
Game Preview
The Chargers can’t win the AFC West or control anything regarding their playoff rivals. Though they are in the postseason, and that’s what matters to Jim Harbaugh. It’s why we believe they might rest some of their best players in this event.
When it comes to efficiency, 5 of their last 7 games went UNDER, and that’s interesting. Many perceived the Chargers as the offensive-minded unit, but when it comes to betting, under is the pick for them.
The Broncos have ended the Chiefs streak of nine consecutive AFC West crowns 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hAXQa2m4kI
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 30, 2025
Check this out now: only one of the Broncos’ last 5 games hadn’t ended with an OVER. That’s quite interesting as well. They weren’t as confident as we expected in either success, but are ending up on the winning side.
Bo Nix is under pressure, and we are interested in seeing how he reacts now. Apart from the game vs. Packers where he threw 4 TD passes, his record in other games is mediocre, and he has to step up now.
Chargers vs. Broncos Head to Head
These rivals played 132 games this year, and the record is in the Broncos’ favor: 73-58-1. This year, the Chargers beat Denver 23-20 in September, their third straight victory over the Broncos.
Chargers vs. Broncos Predictions
LAC is coming to Mile High with backups, and we strongly believe Harbaugh won’t risk any injuries. So, the logical pick is for the Broncos to win and cover the spread.
- Free NFL Picks: Broncos -12.5
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