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Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos NFL Week 18 Tips & Predictions - Broncos secure No.1 Seed

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: Fri 02 Jan 2026 12:27

Week 18 of the NFL presents a matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos, now centered on playoff positioning after the Chargers missed out on the division. With the Broncos clinching the AFC West, they'll aim for the AFC's No. 1 seed through this game. The Chargers, opting to rest quarterback Justin Herbert, will start Trey Lance, looking to secure a favorable wild-card spot. Denver, known for its strong defense and home form, is favored to win, with predictions pointing to a low-scoring game under the 38.5 total.

Jeremy Darke 02 Jan 2026
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  • Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos Expert NFL Tips for Week 18
  • Kick Off is at 08:25 AM AEDT at Mile High Stadium
  • Denver secures AFC West, aims for No. 1 seed.
  • Chargers rest Herbert, start Lance;
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CHARGERS VS BRONCOS
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos NFL Week 18 Tips & Predictions


The Broncos will tick all the boxes and get the first week off of the NFL Playoffs, covering the line in a dominant defensive performance against an undermanned Chargers outfit.

What was expected to be a Week 18 showdown for the AFC West title is now a game centered on playoff positioning after the Chargers’ loss to Houston clinched the division for Denver. 

The Broncos can secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win, while the Chargers, resting injured quarterback Justin Herbert, will start Trey Lance as they look to lock in the highest possible wild-card spot.

Don’t get caught up in the numbers and guessing game in this contest. Denver will get out to a handsome lead early, protect it then take off their stars and the scoring will slow. 

I still like Denver to cover the 12.5 points as the favourite and will manage the margin with their defensive play against an undermanned L.A offence. This has me also leading to the under on the game total despite it sitting at 38.5.

RJ Harvey has been exceptional after taking over for J.K Dobbins and will run in a TD for the Broncos.

  • Denver are 7-1 at home this season.
  • Both teams combined have a 13-18-1 record to the under this season.
  • Trey Lance will start for the Chargers
  • RJ Harvey has 5 touchdowns in his last 5 games for Denver.

Head to Head Record


All Time Record
Denver Broncos lead all-time series 73-58-1.

Most Recent Matchup
DateResult
Sep 21, 2025
DEN 20 @ LAC 23

Statistical Rankings
StatLACDEN
Points Scored/Game22.8 (17th)23.9 (14th)
Points Allowed/Game20.1 (7th)19.3 (4th)
Pass Yds/Game219 (15th)230 (9th)
Rush Yds/Game122 (12th)118 (19th)
Def. Pass Yds/Game183 (6th)192 (8th)
Def. Rush Yds/Game104 (9th)89 (2nd)

Los Angeles Chargers Form


The Chargers (11–5) arrive in Denver as a confirmed wild-card team, focused solely on playoff seeding after missing out on the division. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has ruled out Justin Herbert, who is managing a fractured left hand, opting to rest key starters in a low-stakes finale. 

Trey Lance will start at quarterback, making his first appearance against Denver this season. Left tackle Jamaree Salyer is unlikely to play, while several defensive backs and skill players are limited or questionable. Los Angeles could finish anywhere from the fifth to seventh seed and may face Denver again in the Wild Card round.


TeamRecordATSO/UAwayHome
L.A. Chargers logo LAC11-5-08-7-16-9-15-2-06-3-0

Denver Broncos Form


Denver enter Week 18 in strong form at 13–3, having already clinched the AFC West after the Chargers’ loss to Houston. A win on Sunday would secure the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been outstanding, throwing for 3,790 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading multiple late-game comebacks. 

RJ Harvey has emerged as the lead running back, contributing 12 total touchdowns. Injury-wise, linebacker Dre Greenlaw remains sidelined, while Nate Adkins, Pat Bryant and John Franklin-Myers are limited but trending toward availability. Sean Payton has emphasized a playoff mindset despite the division already being secured.


TeamRecordATSO/UAwayHome
Denver logo DEN13-3-06-9-17-9-06-2-07-1-0

Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos start?

Kickoff between Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos is at 08:25 AM AEDT, Monday

What channel is Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos on?

You can watch Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos on DAZN

Verdict

Denver will cover as the favourite in a low scoring match that stays under the 38.5 game total. RJ Harvey will run in a TD for the Broncos.
Best Bet1: Denver -12.5 Handicap/Line $1.90 at Elitebet - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Under 38.5 Game Total $1.90 at Pandabet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: R.J Harvey Anytime Touchdown $1.68 at betr - 3 Units
Denver -12.5
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Under 38.5
Game Total
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R.J Harvey
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Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos