Thursday Betting Preview: Chargers have Broncos figured out
The Denver Broncos host the San Diego Chargers in an AFC West clash under the lights on Thursday night.
The Broncos are favored to take down the game, with bettors eagerly getting behind them and bumping up the number further.
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MNF Preview (Monday)
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Spread: Broncos -9.5
Total: 51
Line movement:
| Team | Opening Line | Current Line | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | +7 | +9.5 | 44% |
| Broncos | -7 | -9.5 | 56% |
| Team | Opening Total | Current Total | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | 51 ov | 51 ov | 68% |
| Broncos | 51 un | 51 un | 32% |
Not surprising to see a lean to the over in a prime time game. The more noteworthy action comes on the side, with bettors hammering the Broncos on game day, causing the line to jump as many as two full points in some spots on Thursday alone.
Analysis: Fresh off becoming the NFL's all-time leader in passing touchdowns, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning looks to add to his total against a banged-up Chargers secondary on Thursday.
Manning didn't have long to celebrate his accomplishment with the short turnaround, but he figures to add to his total against a Chargers pass defense that figures to be without its two starting cornerbacks in Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett.
With that said, few opponents have given the Broncos the kind of trouble during the Manning era that the Chargers have. Despite winning only once in five tries, San Diego has kept within one score three times, and held a commanding lead in another before a late collapse.
Their lone win in that span came on a Thursday night, in Denver no less. San Diego asked Ryan Mathews to carry the rock 29 times, while Philip Rivers attempted only 20 passes in a game in which the Chargers outrushed the Broncos 177-18.
A different plan of attack will certainly be necessary given Mathews's absence, but an expanded role for Rivers couldn't be a bad thing right now. He is playing at such a high level that it shouldn't come as a surprise to see San Diego beat anyone, anywhere.
The Chargers were certainly guilty of looking ahead a week ago when they fell to the Chiefs, and now it's time for them to make up for that letdown.
Prediction: Chargers 27, Broncos 23
The Play: Chargers +9.5
The Trend: The Chargers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss.
The Tweet:
Broncos: NFL-best 18-2 at home in regular season since 2012; one of those losses was 2013 Week 15 at home on Thursday night to Chargers
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 23, 2014
Odds courtesy Scoresandodds.com. Statistics courtesy Pregame.com. Trends courtesy Covers.