Broncos vs Chargers Preview & Free Pick [October 17th 2022]

Denver (2-3) at LA Chargers (3-2)
When: Monday, October 17th 2022
Where: SoFi Stadium,
Inglewood, CA
Time: 8:15 ET | TV: ESPN
Opening Odds: Los Angeles -4.5/47.5

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It’s been a rough beginning to Russell Wilson’s tenure in Denver, but the Broncos have a chance to even their record with a road win at the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football to conclude Week 6 action. Wilson has not been the savior so far and last Thursday’s 12-9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts was about as an ugly of a game you’ll ever see in the NFL. Despite a partially torn right lat, Wilson is expected to play Monday as the Broncos will have had 10 days to rest up for the Chargers. Denver guard Quinn Meinerz (hamstring) was one of 12 limited participants in practice this week but is expected to play. Former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon III (neck, ribs) was limited. A road win on Monday would put the Broncos in second place in the AFC West.

The Chargers dropped back-to-back games in Weeks 2 and 3, but have roared back with two consecutive road victories thank to an improved run game. L.A. earned an impressive 30-28 road win at the Cleveland Browns last week behind 173 yards and two touchdowns from running back Austin Ekeler. The Chargers entered last week with an NFL-worst 64.5 yards a game on the ground, but moved up 10 spots with 238 against Cleveland – their most since 2018. After missing the last four games, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice this week Thursday, but is still doubtful for Monday. The Broncos and Chargers split their two meetings last year with L.A. winning 34-13 at home in Week 17. Just Herbert threw for 237 yards and two scores, while Drew Lock started for Denver. The home team is 5-0 against the spread in the past five meetings.

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Some people are blaming Wilson for Denver’s offensive struggles, but first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett is also taking a lot of heat. The team has scored just six touchdowns and a combined five points in the third quarter. They also rank dead last in red zone efficiency. In last Thursday’s game against the Colts, Wilson was intercepted twice, including a costly one with about two minutes left in the Indianapolis end zone. Cornerback Ronald Darby suffered a season-ending torn ACL vs. the Colts, while left tackle Garett Bolles also was lost for the year to a leg injury. The Under is 5-0 in the Broncos’ last five Monday games.

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Taylor Bertolet’s 27-yard field goal with 9:29 left proved to be the winner against Cleveland last week. Browns rookie kicker Cade York missed a 54-yard field goal with 11 seconds left that would have give the Chargers a loss. Herbert threw for 228 yards and a TD as he fights throw a rib injury. The Chargers offensive line has been strong this year, allowing Herbert to be sacked just five times. Los Angeles is second overall in the league with 291.2 passing yards per game. Offensive tackle Trey Pipkins hurt his knee against the Browns but isn’t expected to miss time. The Chargers are 8-3 ATS in their past 11 vs. the AFC West.

We’ve seen the Broncos play a few times in prime time already and their offense looks as bad as any in the league. The Chargers offense is protecting Herbert and the running game was tremendous last week. L.A. has some momentum with back-to-back road wins and should easily beat Denver at home on Monday.

Week 6 NFL Staff Selections

Pick: Chargers -4.5

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