Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview

Monday Night Football features a battle of AFC West rivals as the Denver Broncos (2-3) take on the Los Angeles Chargers (3-2). The Chargers will host this one at SoFi Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 pm ET.
Denver had a mini bye this week as they have not played since Week 5’s Thursday night game. In that matchup with the Colts, they lost 12-9. In the loss, Russell Wilson threw for 274 yards and two picks, and the offense was just stagnant throughout.
For the Chargers, they were able to take down Cleveland last week, 30-28. Justin Herbert threw for 228 yards and a touchdown, but it was Austin Ekeler that did the most damage. The running back rushed 16 times for 173 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 26 yards and another score.
The Chargers are the favorites playing at home in this one. They are -220 to win, while the Broncos’ moneyline sits at +184. The spread features Denver +4.5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 45.5.
Broncos Come In Well Rested, But Can They Get Offense Clicking?
When the Broncos acquired Russell Wilson this offseason, they certainly hoped to get more than he has produced to this point. With 11 days between starts, they are hoping that he and the offense can regroup as they go against a tough Chargers team.
To date, Wilson has thrown for 1,254 yards, just four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has also been sacked 16 times in five games. On the ground, he has rushed 17 times for 73 yards and another score.
All in all, the Broncos’ offense ranks 31st in the NFL, averaging just 15 points per game (19.5 on the road). The only team worse than them to date is the Indianapolis Colts, who are averaging just 13.8 points.
Unfortunately, running back Javonte Williams is out for the season, but Melvin Gordon III has filled in admirably. In five games, he has rushed 52 times for 193 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Broncos have been one of the best in the league. They rank tied for fourth, allowing an average of just 16 points per game.
Chargers Look To Extend Winning Streak To Three
After losing in Weeks 2 and 3, the Los Angeles Chargers have bounced back with back-to-back wins in the last two weeks. They will try to extend that streak to three as they host the Broncos in primetime Monday night.
Under center for the Chargers is 24-year-old quarterback Justin Herbert. In five games, he has thrown for 1,478 yards, ten touchdowns, and just two interceptions. His offensive line has also performed well, as he has been sacked just five times thus far.
Herbert’s favorite target to date is Mike Williams. He has 28 receptions for 392 yards and two touchdowns thus far.
After a big game last week, running back Austin Ekeler has now rushed 61 times for 313 yards and three touchdowns. He also has 31 receptions for 214 yards and another two scores.
While the Chargers rank ninth in the league in points per game (24.4), they rank 30th in scoring defense, allowing 27.2 points per game to opponents.
Take The Chargers To Win And Cover
Despite how strong Denver’s defense has played, it is just hard to bet on them knowing how weak their offense is. It also doesn’t help that quarterback Russell Wilson is playing through a partially torn lat muscle, although he is still expected to play in this one.
Denver’s defense might be able to keep it close for a little bit, but with a balance of an improving run game and Herbert’s ability through the air, it is just hard to see with the Broncos keeping up for four quarters.
Take Los Angeles to not only win this game but to cover the 4.5-point spread (-110) as well.