In a turn of events after the NFL health and safety protocols spread throughout the Broncos organization. This matchup between AFC West Rivals Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers will be an interesting one.

Date/Time: Sunday January 2, 2022. 1:05 pm PST/4:05 pm EST/2:05 pm MT

Spread (Different depending on company/sportsbook): Broncos +7.5 (+275)/Chargers -7.5 (-340)

Denver Broncos (7-8, 4th Afc West)

Entering week 17 and near the end of the season, although the Broncos are mathematically still in the hunt for a spot in the wildcard. However, by virtue of their losses the Broncos are virtually out and are playing for a boost in morale towards the offseason. Nonetheless, for this matchup against the revengeful Chargers, the Broncos as a team will be very much short-handed. Based on reports via Zac Stevens of DNVR and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network citing the Broncos will be missing 14 players as they were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. As the Broncos overall will be missing key players on both the offense and defense.

In this game, Broncos fans should focus on primarily the players and how they perform individually. Because with many key players out, players such as our running backs (Melvin Gordon/Javonte Williams), Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, and others will have to step for the Broncos to win. This game will also be slightly significant for Drew Lock as he is important for the Broncos in keeping Justin Herbert off the field.

As for now, the Broncos have elevated players from the practice squad and will play with what they have against a motivated Chargers still pushing to make the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers

In the grand scheme of all things, this game overall is for the Chargers to win considering the amount of players the Broncos will be missing and this game being important to the Chargers playoff race. As last week’s game versus the Houston Texans was one the Chargers and fanbase truly want to forget. Being that the loss has made their road to the wildcard much harder as not only do the Chargers have to win out but also rely on other scenarios.

As for now the Chargers coming off a bad loss against the Texans, are looking to come back with a big home win. For that to happen, however, the Chargers would have to hope the Broncos team that came out offensively against the Bengals and Raiders appear Sunday afternoon. As well as a non-turnover throwing Justin Herbert, a dominant receiving core, and tone-setting run game. On defense, rushing the quarterback and creating pressure will be a key factor for the Chargers as the Broncos O-line has shown to be inconsistent and unable to handle the heat. Luckily with activated veterans on the secondary and an energized rushing attack the Chargers can maintain a lead and win the game.

Prediction: Chargers 31 - Broncos 17

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