Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) – Denver Broncos (9-5)
Crucial match in the AFC West. The Chargers host the Broncos for a clash between holders of the last tickets for the AFC Wild Cards. Whoever wins will take a decisive step towards the playoffs.
Two teams who were nevertheless unexpected at this level at the start of the season. Each on their own, they surprised their world with a formula as old as time: defense. But if the two rivals are today very close in accounting terms, the same cannot be said of their dynamics. While Denver remains on 4 consecutive victories, Los Angeles has only pocketed one victory in the same interval. At home for the second time in 5 days, the Chargers absolutely must get things back on track. Otherwise, a wave of panic could blow over California as the holidays approach…
Los Angeles on AC
After opening the season with a 7-3 record, the Chargers fell and lost 3 of their last 4 games.
A recent series that does not worry John Harbaugh, believing that the Chargers have what it takes to participate in the playoffs. However, there are many reasons for doubt. Sunday, the Los Angeles defense, its main asset this season, let the Buccaneers score on 8 of their 10 possessions (4 touchdowns and 4 field goals). They ultimately conceded 40 points and allowed 506 yards, a sad record this season.
And if the defense faltered, the attack did not carry the team on its shoulders at the same time. His major problem is his inability to advance the ball on the ground over the last 3 weeks. Against Tampa, the runners only covered 32 yards in 11 carries, neither more nor less than their lowest total of the season. But the problem goes deeper since the Chargers have only covered 182 yards on the ground in the last 3 games. It's no coincidence that JK Dobbins was placed on injured reserve (knee) right before this series started…
The Broncos gallop towards the playoffs
If Sean Payton and the Broncos manage to win this Thursday, they will qualify for the playoffs. A first since their Super Bowl won in… February 2016.
However, if Denver is in a good position today, the start of the season led to fears of the worst. Their 2024 campaign began with two lackluster defeats, with an attack unable to match its defense. Then the mayonnaise finally set. In much better shape since the end of September, the Broncos have grown along with their young players. Bo Nix is in the race for the title of best offensive rookie, Marvin Mims Jr. has finally found his role in Payton's schemes and rookie Devaughn Vele has found his place. On the other side of the field, Nik Bonitto, Riley Moss and Jonah Elliss are all good surprises and help Denver to be one of the best defenses in the league. Under this good impetus, the Broncos have won their last four games and have a record of 9 wins and 3 losses in the last 12 games.
However, Sunday's victory against Indianapolis was not as brilliant as one might think. The Colts seemed to be in control and were leading 13-7 before Jonathan Taylor gave up an obvious touchdown. A twist of fate that finally woke Denver up, but the match highlighted some lingering weaknesses. The Broncos are still having trouble starting their games and are among the 3 worst teams in the league in terms of point differential in the first quarter. At the same time, Bo Nix fell back into his ways for the second consecutive meeting. With 5 interceptions in the last two games, the quarterback will be expected at the turn this Thursday.
Players to watch: Ladd McConkey & Courtland Sutton
Facing one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Chargers will need Ladd McConkey. Drafted in the second round, the rookie established himself as Justin Herbert's preferred target. With 873 yards on 63 receptions, he averages 67.2 yards and 4.8 receptions per game, all accompanied by five touchdowns. In full swing with 2 games over 100 yards in the last four games, he could be the X factor for the Chargers this Thursday.
In a young and inexperienced receiving corps, Courtland Sutton serves as an NFL veteran. However, at 29 years old, the long-time Bronco proves week after week that he is in the shape of his life. With 878 yards accumulated in 14 games, he is on his way to his second season with more than 1,000 yards in the NFL. Help which could prove crucial in bringing down their rivals and definitively validating the ticket for the playoffs.
The prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
In a short week and with two teams so close together, the little details will make the difference. And when you pay attention to the details, the Chargers have the edge. The Californians will indeed be playing their second consecutive match at home, a godsend as Denver only had one day of training before traveling to Los Angeles. In addition, the Chargers hold the psychological ascendancy over their rivals. They controlled the game in the Denver game in Week 6, taking a 23-point lead through three quarters (before slackening to only win 23-16).
