TNF Betting Preview: Broncos at Chargers
Coming off their first loss of the season the Denver Broncos look to get back on track on Thursday night as a road favorite versus the San Diego Chargers.
Denver had their nine-game straight-up winning streak snapped last week after losing to the Atlanta Falcons 23-16 as a 3.5-point favorite. With Trevor Siemian sidelined by a shoulder injury rookie Paxton Lynch got the start and passed for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Lynch was running for his life throughout the game, as Atlanta registered six sacks in the upset.
C.J. Anderson rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries for Denver and Emmanuel Sanders led all receivers with seven receptions for 80 yards. Siemian is expected back this week, but there will be one person missing for Denver.
Head coach Gary Kubiak will not lead the Broncos on Thursday night due to a migraine condition he suffered after last week’s game. Special teams coach Joe Decamillis takes over on an interim basis.
San Diego dropped to 1-4 on the season last week after a 34-31 loss to the Oakland Raiders as a 3.5-point underdog. With the loss the Chargers are 1-6 SU but 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games.
Against Oakland Philip Rivers passed for 359 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Melvin Gordon was limited to 69 yards and a lost fumble on 11 carries. Antonio Gates had a touchdown reception but he also lost a fumble, as San Diego turned the ball over four times in the loss.
At online sportsbook Bovada the Broncos are listed as a 3.5-point road favorite. Denver is 6-1 SU and 4-2-1 ATS in their last seven games when listed as a road favorite. The Chargers tend to prove the oddsmakers right as a home underdog and in their last seven they are 1-6 SU and ATS.
Denver has dominated this matchup for the last few years and have won their last five against San Diego with a 3-2 record ATS. In their last 10 games against the Chargers the Broncos are 9-1 SU and 6-4 ATS.
In San Diego the Broncos have also won five straight both SU and ATS versus the Chargers. Overall the Chargers have been a nightmare for bettors at home with a 3-12 ATS record in their last 15 games.