After a necessary bye week, the Los Angeles Chargers return to action in NFL Week 6, traveling to Denver for their third AFC West matchup of the season.

A win over the Broncos would move the Bolts to 3-2 and increase their division record to 2-1.

Los Angeles can avoid a three-game losing streak and stop Denver’s current winning streak at three. The Broncos have won three straight games against their longtime division rival, compiling a record of 72 wins, 55 losses and one tie in the series.

Will the Chargers overcome one of the NFL’s best defenses while their quarterback is dealing with an ankle problem? Can QB Bo Nix lead Denver to another win in its own tough matchup? We offer the match odds and best bets for the battle of the former Oregon Ducks QBs.

Chargers vs Broncos Predictions

Herbert had the bye week to continue recovering from his ankle injury, which appeared to affect his performance in a loss to Kansas City in Week 4. He completed 16 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown.

As Pro Football Talk noted, the current Chargers and former Oregon star has not practiced fully since September 13th. According to published reports, he said he was feeling better this week.

Herbert has yet to rush for 180 yards in a game this season. Adjusting to a new-look pass-catching team is challenging as Ladd McConkey is in his rookie year, Quentin Johnston is trying to put a forgettable first season behind him and Joshua Palmer is dealing with elbow and calf injuries.

Herbert and his receivers must now try to get going or at least put up a more respectable performance against Denver’s pass defense, the fifth-ranked unit in the NFL. The Broncos rank third in the NFL in total defense and are second in the AFC with eight takeaways.

However, if the Chargers can protect the football, they have a chance to win this game as they field the fifth-ranked defense in the NFL. Los Angeles has only recorded two turnovers, which is the fewest turnovers in the NFL.

Continuing to perform above expectations on defense and winning the turnover battle while Herbert does enough to outplay Nix could be a winning formula.

After Denver lost its first two games of the season, Nix has skillfully controlled the offense while showing more poise and confidence. The former Ducks star shows he’s making smart, timely plays without taking too many risks like some other young quarterbacks would.

The formula of good defense and conservative offense has worked quite well so far. It will be quite an accomplishment for Nix if he can lead the Broncos to their first 4-2 start in eight years and just their second such start in 16 years.

NFL Week 6 odds Chargers vs. Broncos

The Chargers are ahead by 2.5 points, although Denver has played better in the last three games. According to TeamRankings, the Bolts are 2-0 ATS so far this season.

The over/under ratio is at 35.5, and trends emphasize capturing the under in a planned defensive battle. Los Angeles hasn’t reached an over in its first four games of the season, and Denver was 3-1 against the under to open the 2024 season.

The home team ranks 28th in overall offense and the visitors 29th.

Moneyline odds analysis Chargers vs. Broncos

Why Los Angeles could be the favorite to win

Best odds: -405 at FanDuel Sportsbook

Los Angeles allows an NFL-low 12.5 points per game. The Broncos may try to run the ball effectively to ease the pressure on Nix, but the Bolts are robust against the run and rank sixth in the NFL in rushing defense.

Chargers RB JK Dobbins ranks fifth in the NFL with 85.5 rushing yards per game and served as an effective starting running back in the first season of the post-Austin Ekeler era. Johnston will try to catch a TD pass for the third straight road game.

OLB Khalil Mack has suffered a sack in three of his last four AFC West matchups, and OLB Joey Bosa (questionable, hip) has suffered a sack in two of his last three games against the Broncos. OLB Bud DuPree recorded his fifth two-sack game of his career in Week 4.

Although Herbert hasn’t looked nearly as productive as he has in past seasons, he only threw one interception. If the game comes down to him or the rookie quarterback making a crucial play, bettors and smart fans would be counting on Herbert to get the job done.

Why Denver could win as an underdog

Best odds: +130 at BetMGM Sportsbook

However, Nix is ​​unlikely to make a mistake that would cost his team the game if he shows the error-free form of the last few games. The Broncos’ new QB of the future hasn’t thrown an interception in his last three games after throwing two picks in each of his first two NFL starts.

In Week 5, Nix scored two touchdowns for the first time in his career in a 34-18 win over the Raiders and further endeared himself to the Denver fan base with a win over their hated rival. He is the first rookie quarterback in Denver to start and win three straight games.

John Elway started 1983 with two wins before losing six straight games.

WR Courtland Sutton has a TD reception in five of his last seven AFC West games. RB Javonte Williams finished his sixth career campaign last week with 111 scrimmage yards and more than 100 scrimmage yards.

DE Zach Allen is the only player in the NFL to have a loss in five games this season while recording a sack in three of his last four games. OLB Nik Bonitto has one sack in his last three games. The Broncos rank third in the league with 19 sacks.

CB Patrick Surtain II intercepted two passes and returned one for a 100-yard TD last week. Riley Moss has the seventh-best cornerback grade of any player at his position at Pro Football Focus.

According to SB Nation, the Chargers are in turmoil. Seven players were listed as out of practice and nine were listed as limited at the start of the training week. Denver is using a defense-first, low-risk formula that should lead to wins against evenly matched teams like the Chargers.