NFL Week 17 Chargers vs. Broncos Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
The Broncos will look to clinch a first-round bye with a victory over the Chargers today at 4:25PM ET.
Despite 55% of NFL public bettors currently backing San Diego to cover the spread, oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI list Denver as double-digit favorites at -10. The total, meanwhile, is sitting at 42 points after the number opened at 41.
Free Pick:
The Chargers have lost three of their last four games but they've covered three straight spreads heading into today's game. Because of their success that the betting window of late, it makes sense that public bettors would take the points in this matchup.
That said, San Diego will have a difficult time covering the number this afternoon. Denver leads the league in sacks while taking down opposing quarterbacks 49 times through 15 games. When these two teams met in Week 13, the Chargers managed only a field goal while turning the ball over three times and taking four sacks.
The Broncos still have plenty to play for with a first-round bye up for grabs. They've been inconsistent offensively with Brock Osweiler under center, but he should be able to build off the success he had in the second half of Monday night's win over the Bengals. Assuming Denver has as much success against San Diego's defense today as it did back in Week 13, then the Broncos should generate enough offense to cover the spread.
NFL WEEK 17 FREE PICK: DENVER BRONCOS -10