Gang Green Nation
Week 16 of Thursday Night Football features an AFC West showdown
Thursday Night Football, Week 16. Tonight the Los Angeles Chargers host the Denver Broncos in a game with playoff implications. The Chargers are 2.5 point home favorites in this game according to our friends at Fanduel Sportsbook.
The 9-5 Denver Broncos come into this game winners of four straight, including a 31 - 13 thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts last week. The Broncos feature the NFL’s #1 ranked defense in points allowed. They have held 10 of their 14 opponents under 20 points this season. In addition, the Broncos offense has come alive of late, scoring 29 or more points in each of their last four games. The best scoring defense in the NFL combined with a top scoring offense in recent games makes the Broncos a dangerous team. They are currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens at 9-5 for the top wild card seed in the AFC. A Broncos win or tie tonight would clinch a playoff berth for them.
The 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers come into this game losers of three of their last four games. Prior to their cold streak the Chargers had won four straight. Last week the Chargers were blown out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 40 - 17. The Chargers are tied with the Broncos for the #1 ranked scoring defense. The Chargers offense, on the other hand, is a bit of a mess at the moment. They have scored 17 points in each of their last three games. That’s not going to win you a lot of games in the NFL. Scoring has been a problem for the Chargers most of the season. They have scored more than 27 points just once this season, and they are currently ranked 20th in the NFL in points scored. At 8-6 the Chargers currently hold the final playoff seed in the AFC, with a two game lead over multiple contenders. That two game lead could shrink to one and leave the Chargers in a slightly precarious position with a loss tonight to the Broncos.
Tonight the Chargers have home field advantage, but it hasn’t been much of an advantage this season. The Chargers are 4-3 at home. The Broncos are 4-3 on the road. The Broncos are functioning at a much higher level on offense than the Broncos recently, and the two teams are evenly matched on defense. I’m picking the Broncos to upset the Chargers on the road tonight. If you bet, good luck to you, and please consider using our friends at Fanduel Sportsbook.
