This coming Sunday, two AFC West teams will go head-to-head as the Denver Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers in a critical Week 12 clash in Colorado. Who will prevail in this Chargers vs Broncos game? Here's a breakdown of this important divisional matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 12 as -3 favorites
The Los Angeles Chargers will head to their showdown against the Denver Broncos with momentum on their side after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, 41-37, in Week 11. It was a huge bounce-back win for the Chargers, who suffered a 27-20 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.
The Chargers escaped with the victory despite blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. Justin Herbert made sure there won't be a late collapse for the Chargers, throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams with 2:17 left for the go-ahead score. This was the fifth time this season that the Chargers won, courtesy of a fourth-quarter comeback.
For the Chargers to grab the win against the Broncos, they will need Herbert to continue his stellar play under center. He completed 30 of 41 passes for 382 yards with three touchdowns and one interception against the Steelers.
Herbert showed he was a dual-threat as he also led the team in rushing in that contest with 90 yards on nine carries. He became just the fifth quarterback in the history of the NFL to record at least 300 yards passing and run for at least 90 yards in the same outing.
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Denver Broncos installed as +3 underdogs
Denver's bye week could not have come at a much suitable time after the Broncos absorbed a shocking 30-13 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. It was a costly defeat for the Broncos, who had their two-game winning streak snapped. They are now sitting at the bottom of the AFC West standings alongside the Las Vegas Raiders, with both teams carrying similar 5-5 slates.
Teddy Bridgewater drew the ire of Broncos fans in the Week 10 loss to the Eagles as he did not try to tackle Darius Slay during his buzzer-beating pick-six in the third quarter, a play that swung the momentum in Philly's favor. Instead of heading into the fourth quarter down by just one score, the Broncos suddenly found themselves trailing the Eagles 27-13.
It is imperative for the Broncos that they start strong against the Chargers. Denver is just 1-20 under coach Vic Fangio when trailing at halftime. The Broncos will need to put the clamps on Herbert, who is fourth in the NFL in passing offense (292.7 yards per game) and touchdowns (21).
Herbert loves playing against LA's division rivals, recording 17 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last six starts against AFC West teams. The Chargers are 5-0 in their previous five games against teams in their division.
Writer's Prediction
LA wins and covers the spread.
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