2024 NFL odds: Back Chargers to win, covers vs. Broncos on TNF

Jason McIntyre

Co-host of THE HERD and FOX Sports Betting Analyst

Are you ready for a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Chargers and Broncos?

I certainly am. But beware, because there has been some line movement.

The Chargers were favored by three points at home, but those points are gone. The Denver money hit the market in the middle of the night Wednesday.

The last meeting was in Week 6 and the Chargers dominated. They led 20-0 at the half and 23-0 heading into the fourth quarter before some stoppage time action by Denver made the game look closer than it was.

The Broncos had 83 yards entering the fourth quarter before three drives in the rushing offense totaled 233 yards.

All season, Bo Nix has shredded zone defenses, but he’s struggled when facing man defenses. The Chargers’ flexibility under Jesse Minter did a good job of hiding the defense in the previous meeting, and Nix ended up tucking and running six times for 61 yards.

One thing to note is that the Chargers had the early bye.

Their off week was in early October, right before the game against the Broncos. In recent weeks, they have looked like an exhausted team, scoring just 17 points in the last three games. In addition, they have not had JK Dobbins in the three games either (the Chargers have 12 players on injured reserve).

The hardest part of this handicap is considering how banked LA is. Quentin Johnston has an ankle problem and Will Dissly has a shoulder problem.

The Broncos had their bye two weeks ago, have just four players on IR and have won four straight – but dwell on these opponents.

You’ll find that three were at home, and those wins were against teams that could be described as middling — the Falcons, Raiders, Browns and Colts. And Nix hasn’t been great in the last two games, throwing five interceptions and recording two of his lowest-rated QBR games of the season.

If you feel the Broncos will win this, they have a sixth seed advantage and are going to avoid the Bills or Chiefs in the first round. The Chargers can play desperate because if they lose and the Bengals win, Cincinnati has a legitimate chance to pass them for the final playoff spot.

And by “desperate,” I’m talking trick plays, aggressive fourth-down calls — the whole thing.

If you don’t like picking sides here, consider teasing the Broncos up to 8.5 or 9 and pairing them with a favorite such as the Bengals, who would be down to 1.

PICK: Chargers (-2.5) to win by more than 2.5 points

Jason McIntyre is a FOX Sports betting analyst who also writes about the NFL and NBA Draft. Before arriving at FOX, he created the website The Big Lead. Follow him on Twitter @JasonRMcIntyre.

Do you want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or sign in to your FOX Sports accountand follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites for information on games, news and more