Chargers at Broncos: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By Brad Weiss
In the finale of Week 1 of the NFL season, the Denver Broncos will play host to AFC West rival Los Angeles on Monday night.
The AFC West will be on full display Monday night, as the Denver Broncos will play host to the Los Angeles Chargers. Yes, you read that right, the Los Angeles Chargers. After spending the last 50-plus seasons in San Diego, the Chargers head back to L.A. for the 2017 season, and will kick off their season against a long-time rival.
For the Broncos, they will enter the 2017 season with Trevor Siemian back under center. Siemian once again beat out Paxton Lynch this Summer, and it is beginning to look like Lynch might be a draft bust. Regardless, it is Siemian’s show once again, and he will be looking to give Vance Joseph a win in his first game as Broncos head coach.
The Chargers also have a new head coach this season, as Anthony Lynn replaces Mike McCoy. Lynn, like Joseph, will be looking for his first NFL win as a head coach, and he certainly has the talent to get it sooner than later. Quarterback Philip Rivers has his top option back in Keenan Allen in 2017, after Allen missed nearly all of last season after tearing his ACL in Week 1.
Denver has an elite defense once again, led by Von Miller, who many believe is the best defensive player in the NFL. The secondary is also loaded up once again, and if they can get through the first couple of weeks without Shane Ray on the edge, they should be fine. Many predict either of these two teams to make the playoffs, so this game could go a long way later in the season.
Odds
Line: Denver (-3.0)
Over/Under: 43.0
The Broncos should be able to take care of business in this one at home, but it is going to be a close one. With the Chargers offense, the over/under looks tasty, but remember, this is a special Broncos defense. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to sportsbookreview.com for any changes up until kickoff.
Next: FanSided 2017 NFL Preview
Prediction
To open up against a divisional opponent is always tough, so I like the home team in this one. The Broncos always play well inside Sports Authority Field, and while I believe these two teams will split their matchups in 2017, the opener goes to Denver. Expect Rivers to rack up some yardage in this one, but a crucial mistake may be the difference in a very exciting Monday night matchup.
Final Score: Broncos 24, Chargers 21