Week 16 of the NFL season starts on Thursday night with an AFC West divisional match-up between the Denver Broncos and the LA Chargers that could have big implications in the playoff race.
Our gridiron guru Andrew Cunneen puts his Charger-sympathies aside for this tip-top 13/1 Bet Builder…
Denver Broncos @ LA Chargers Bet Builder tips
Denver to win
Under 42.5 points
Ladd McConkey – Over 5.5 receptions
Justin Herbert – Under 225.5 passing yards
- A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 13/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Friday, 20th December, 1:15am
WHERE: The Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports NFL
Denver to win
The Denver Broncos have won their last four on the spin and put up an average of 35 points across those games. They were an absolute farce away from knocking off the 13-1 Kansas City Chiefs, and just because they don’t have an experienced head at quarterback, everyone’s convinced they’re going to fall away.
Well, that’s just not going to be the case, and they’ve shown you a sample size that is big enough now to accept that.
Essentially, the form team in the league is going up against a unit that has just given up forty points. There’s an ongoing inquisition in Los Angeles, and while it may help them retain Jesse Minter for next year, it will not likely fix their defence in a short turnaround to face a very different type of test.
The Broncos are well-oiled, and even though their run game hasn’t been where many expected it to be, getting Bo Nix in the right headspace to capitalize on the meticulous planning his head coach has in mind for a signal-caller is always going to be the key to success.
Why would Los Angeles be favoured here?
Under 42.5 points
While Denver have naturally feasted in recent weeks, it doesn’t always transpire against divisional opponents because they know your tendencies. LA won this game earlier in the season; let’s not forget.
And there’s not enough nuance that a rookie can take on to totally shock a defence a second time around in the same season.
For that reason, I think we’ll see a lot of three-and-outs here as both teams rely on explosives and special teams.
Ladd McConkey – Over 5.5 receptions
Ladd McConkey is the entire offence, and he’s definitely the entire offence against an elite defensive unit, as he’s the only one who can get open.
Pat Surtain won’t follow McConkey around, but he will eliminate Quentin Johnston from being his second read. And with Wil Dissly still on the shelf and Kimani Vidal still learning to be a receiving back in the NFL, Justin Herbert is going to spam his new favourite target underneath.
Justin Herbert – Under 225.5 passing yards
Justin Herbert is injured. He’s got a high ankle sprain; that much is obvious. And the worst part of that is? He’s also going to be down a starting left guard this week, meaning he’ll either have to roll right, audible into a run play when he sees a blitz, or throw the ball in the dirt.
Greg Roman’s playcalling leaves much to be desired, and the lack of flow really means that Herbert has to try to make something happen every single snap.
There are no easy buttons for him like other teams seem to have built in. No screens, no slants, no flat routes. Against this team, he won’t be able to rack up enough deep shots to hit this total. He’s as likely to get injured.
Denver Broncos @ LA Chargers betting tips
Denver to win
Under 42.5 points
Ladd McConkey – Over 5.5 receptions
Justin Herbert – Under 225.5 passing yards
- A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 13/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All odds and lines quoted are accurate at time of publication but are subject to change
GET MORE ON THE 2024 NFL SEASON
- PP News is your home of the best NFL Tips every week
- When are the 2024 NFL London games?
- NFL Rules Explained: Understanding the basics of American Football
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
