Chargers vs. Broncos preview: Predictions, odds, how to watch Sunday's game
This season has been the year of the backup in the NFL, and there are several matchups in the penultimate week of 2023 to prove that point.
One such game is that between the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) and Denver Broncos (7-8). The Chargers will start Easton Stick after Justin Herbert suffered a finger injury that ended his season in the Week 14 clash between these two teams. Earlier this week, the Broncos announced they were benching Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham.
Denver still has an outside chance to make the playoffs, and head coach Sean Payton claimed the quarterback switch was to provide a spark.
Here's everything to know about the Week 17 AFC West clash.
Russell Wilson: Denver QB signals willingness to move on in first comment since Broncos benching
Chargers vs. Broncos predictions
Paste BN: All five analysts predict Broncos win
Jordan Mendoza writes, "Broncos 17, Chargers 13... Denver has gotten embarrassed the past two weeks, and the defense needs to be the one that sets the tempo this week. Los Angeles is still out of sorts with all the injuries, and they struggle playing in Mile High in a low-scoring game."
The Arizona Republic: Chargers 21, Broncos 17
Jeremy Cluff writes, "The Broncos picked a terrible time to lose two straight games. A third straight loss would end Denver's playoff hopes."
ESPN: Broncos slightly favored to win at home
ESPN Analytics give Denver a 53.1% chance to win their eighth game, while the Chargers have a 46.5% chance to break their three-game skid.
Chargers vs. Broncos odds, spread and lines
The Broncos are favorites to defeat the Chargers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
All odds as of Saturday evening.
- Spread: Broncos (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Broncos (-185); Chargers (+150)
- Over/under: 36.5
Chargers vs. Broncos injury updates
Los Angeles Chargers injury report:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
| Keenan Allen | WR | Heel | Out |
| Joey Bosa | LB | Foot | Out |
| Deane Leonard | CB | Heel | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Kenneth Murray | LB | Shoulder | Doubtful for Week 17 |
| Tanner Muse | LB | Knee | Doubtful for Week 17 |
| Josh Palmer | WR | Concussion | Out |
| Trey Pipkins | OT | Wrist | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Rashawn Slater | OT | Ankle | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Nick Vannett | TE | Back | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Nick Williams | DT | Rest/Shoulder | Doubtful for Week 17 |
| Zion Johnson | OG | Neck | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Michael Davis | CB | Personal | Questionable for Week 17 |
Denver Broncos injury report:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
| Baron Browning | LB | Concussion | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Greg Dulcich | TE | Hamstring/Foot | Out |
| Samaje Perine | RB | Rest | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | Concussion | Out |
| Dwayne Washington | RB | Illness | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Nik Bonitto | LB | Knee | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Alex Palczewski | OT | Knee | Out |
| Chris Manhertz | TE | Rest | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Mike Purcell | NT | Rest | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Justin Simmons | FS | Illness | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | WR | Hamstring | Questionable for Week 17 |
| Jerry Jeudy | WR | Illness | Questionable for Week 17 |
How to watch Chargers vs. Broncos: TV, streaming and schedule
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 4:25 p.m. ET
Where: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colo.
Cable TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+; Sling; YouTube TV; FuboTV
How to watch: Catch Sunday NFL action with a Fubo subscription
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Paste BN Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.