Chargers vs. Broncos predictions get rare upset picks

At USA Today, for example, Christopher Bumbaca writes that the Chargers aren’t going to go down by nearly two touchdowns: “The Broncos don't blow teams out. Even if that other team is starting Trey Lance at quarterback.”

Hey, it’s better than nothing, right? 

RELATED: Chargers injury updates on Omarion Hampton, Justin Herbert provide playoff hints

Why Chargers will and won’t upset Broncos

Lance is probably going to have a brutal time on the road in Denver against a Broncos pass-rush headed up by Nik Bonitto and his 12.5 sacks over 16 games. 

But it’s not impossible. 

Lance has looked good in spot duty for the Chargers dating back to the summer, hence his running away with the backup quarterback job behind Herbert. 

Speaking of running, Lance is mobile and the fact there isn’t a lot of film on him within the Chargers offense could create an element of surprise that plays a part in the outcome in Denver. 

Granted, Jim Harbaugh hasn’t fully revealed just how many starters won’t play against the Broncos. But defensive coordinator Jesse Minter tends to drum up nice schemes that produce strong outings, hence his being so prominent in head-coaching buzz. 

Back near the start of the season, the Chargers held Bo Nix to a 14-of-25 line with 153 yards and just one score in a Los Angeles win. Herbert needed 47 attempts to throw for 300 yards with one score and pick, so it’s not like the passing game was lighting things up. 

A chance at playing the spoiler against a rival, completing a sweep of the entire AFC West and a strong running game complemented by defense could always produce an upset. 

Is it necessary? No. But Week 18 is always a weird one, so don’t totally count out the Chargers. 

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