This Week 18 clash pits the AFC West runners-up Los Angeles Chargers against the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos in a game with serious postseason implications — especially for Denver. A Broncos win would clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, while the Chargers — safely in the playoffs — could be eyeing a higher seed with an upset, though they’re expected to play it conservatively. Will Denver cover as a 14-point favorite in today’s Chargers vs. Broncos matchup at 3:25 p.m. ET?
Chargers vs. Broncos Game Day Information
- 📅 Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- ⏰ Kickoff: ~3:25 p.m. ET
- 📍 Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- 📺 TV: CBS
Opening line: Chargers +2.5/Broncos -2.5
Season Context & Stakes
The Broncos (13-3) have surged in 2025 under coach Sean Payton, locking up the AFC West and fighting for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. With the AFC’s top seed within reach, Denver enters this finale with extra motivation to finish strong and earn a bye.
The Chargers (11-5) also secured a postseason berth but are widely expected to rest starters and protect key players for the playoffs — including headlining QB Justin Herbert, who will not start this game. Backup Trey Lance — a dual-threat with big play potential — is projected to take the helm.
Key Player Notes
Denver Broncos
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QB Bo Nix: Leading the Broncos’ potent offense with ~3,790 yards passing, 25 TDs, 11 INTs and a near MVP-caliber run/pass balance this season.
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RB Jaleel McLaughlin: With over 1,900 team rushing yards, McLaughlin will be central to Denver’s clock-control plan.
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WR Courtland Sutton: Denver’s top receiver with 1,012 receiving yards and 73 catches, posing a threat both in the red zone and on intermediate routes.
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Defense: Denver’s defense has been elite in creating pressure, totaling 64 sacks (most in the NFL) and anchoring a stout unit that ranks top-5 in points allowed this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
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QB Trey Lance: With Justin Herbert resting, Lance starts — offering mobility and improvisation but limited by experience.
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WR Keenan Allen: Active for this game as he chases contract incentives (receptions & yardage), giving Chargers fans a storyline to watch.
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Supporting Cast: Chargers’ depth players like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and defensive contributors aim to shine with expanded reps.
Offensive & Defensive Matchups
Broncos offense vs. Chargers defense: Denver’s balanced attack — combining Nix’s efficient passing with a reliable run game — will look to exploit a Chargers unit that might rotate backups and younger defenders. The Broncos’ offensive rhythm and clock management are key if Denver wants a postseason bye.
Chargers offense vs. Broncos defense: With Lance under center, the Chargers offense will lean on quick play-makers like Allen and tempo shifts to generate chunks, but Denver’s defense is one of the league’s stingiest at limiting points and forcing mistakes.
Public Betting Tickets
Numbers update frequently — check the latest on the NFL public betting chart and learn usage basics in our public betting guide.
Recent Series & Trends
This regular-season matchup will be a rematch of their earlier meeting — where Denver handed the Chargers a loss while both teams were healthier — yet the stakes are higher now for the Broncos. Denver’s defense has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and controlled lower-scoring games, while Los Angeles’ backup-led unit will try to keep it competitive.
Historical trends also lean toward the Broncos — who have won 12 of their last 13 games — and the Chargers have struggled as heavy underdogs this season.
Chargers vs. Broncos Prediction
This Week 18 game should tilt in Denver’s favor, especially if the Chargers continue with backups at key positions. The Broncos’ drive for the AFC’s No. 1 seed and their dominant sack and defensive metrics suggest they’ll hold serve at home. The Chargers may keep things defensively competitive early, but Denver’s balance and motivation should prove too much by game’s end.
Final Score Projection:
Broncos 27 — Chargers 10
Expect Denver to control the clock, generate pressure up front, and secure the victory needed for top AFC playoff positioning.
Pick: Denver Broncos -14
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