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The big news coming into this game for the underdogs Broncos is that they look as if they’ll be starting QB Drew Lock ($4,800) at quarterback over Brandon Allen ($4,200). Lock will be making his NFL debut and try to improve the Broncos 5-3 record as underdogs against the spread. The Chargers continue to be one of the worst teams against the spread as favorites, sporting a putrid 1-5-1 record.
Lock will have a tall task in his debut against a Chargers team that defensively, has performed well against opposing quarterbacks. On six separate occasions, opposing QB’s were held to under 200 passing yards, the most recent coming last week against the Chiefs. Still, Lock loves going for the big, deep shots which should only benefit Courtland Sutton ($5,800) and Noah Fant ($3,700) moving forward. While we can’t expect much in his debut, Phillip Lindsay ($5,000) should be busy in a bounce-back spot against a Chargers run defense that allows an average of 98 rushing and 45 receiving yards.
The Chargers limp into this game with two straight losses and the inability to close out a win late in the game. The Broncos have a very tough secondary to overcome but can be beaten on the ground. Like the Broncos, the Chargers may have to rely upon their running backs to really generate some offense. Melvin Gordon ($6,400) and Austin Ekeler ($5,700) should be busy in this game. If you’re going by the Chargers favored game-script, Gordon would be the preferred option. Ekeler would be more in play if you like the Broncos to win with his involvement in the passing game. On the ground, the Broncos allow an average of 94 rushing and 37 receiving.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Chargers at Broncos
Injury report
Chargers
Questionable: WR Geremy Davis (hamstring), T Russell Okung (groin), T Sam Tevi (knee)
Broncos
Questionable: CB Duke Dawson (concussion), DE Shelby Harris (ankle), T Ja’Wuan James (knee), LB Josey Jewell (ankle), LB A.J. Johnson (knee), LB Von Miller (knee)
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Chargers -3
Total Points: 38.5
Money Line: Chargers -159; Broncos +140
Records
Overall 2019: Chargers 4-7; Broncos 3-8
ATS 2019: Chargers 3-6-2; Broncos 6-5
O/U 2019: Chargers 3-8; Broncos 4-7
Notable Prop Bets
Phillip Linsday score a touchdown +120
Melvin Gordon score a touchdown +100
Chargers under 20.5 points -129
Broncos moneyline and under +310
Betting Trends
- The Broncos have won seven of their last eight Week 13 games.
- The Chargers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against AFC opponents.
- Each of the Broncos’ last nine games against AFC West opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Melvin Gordon III has scored the first touchdown in each of the Chargers’ last three Sunday games.
- Austin Ekeler has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Chargers’ last six regular season road games.
- Royce Freeman has scored a touchdown in three of the Broncos’ last four home games against AFC West opponents.
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Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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