Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

The Denver Broncos (1-1) and LA Chargers (2-0) meet in a divisional face-off Sunday. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is set for 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NFL odds around the Broncos vs. Chargers odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.

Denver lost 29-28 at the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 in a collapse that saw the Broncos fail to cover as 1-point favorites, while the Over (43) hit. The Broncos had gone up 28-20 on a 5-yard rushing TD by RB J.K. Dobbins with just over 11 minutes left in the third quarter. From that point, Denver threw an interception and missed a field goal, allowing 9 unanswered points to Indy and giving the game away. The Broncos surrendered 473 total yards to the Colts.

LA picked up a solid 20-9 win at the Las Vegas Raiders in a divisional battle on Monday Night Football, covering as a 3.5-point favorite while the Under (46.5) cashed. The Chargers defense forced 3 turnovers and held the Raiders to 0-for-3 in the red zone. QB Justin Herbert finished 19-for-27 passing for 242 yards with 2 TDs and also led the Chargers in rushing with 31 yards.

These divisional rivals have played each other 131 times, indcluding the playoffs, and the Broncos are up 73-57-1 in the all-time series. However, the Chargers won each of the 2 meetings in the 2024 season.

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Broncos at Chargers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 4:12 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Broncos +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Chargers -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Broncos +3 (-120) | Chargers -3 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 46 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Broncos at Chargers key injuries

Broncos

  • TE Evan Engram (back) out
  • LB Dre Greenlaw (quad) out

Chargers

  • TE Will Dissly (knee) out
  • CB Cam Hart (hip) questionable
  • LB Daiyan Henley (illness) questionable
  • LB Khalil Mack (elbow) out
  • S Elijah Molden (hamstring) out

Broncos at Chargers picks and predictions

Prediction

Chargers 27, Broncos 24

Moneyline

BET CHARGERS (-155).

The Chargers have looked much more impressive than the Broncos to start the season, especially because of their Week 1 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Furthermore, Denver's offense looked terrible in the second half of the loss against Indianapolis, and its defense has not been as strong as expected, with the Broncos ranking outside the top 10 in total yards allowed per game, rushing yards allowed per game, and points allowed per game.

Against the spread

LEAN BRONCOS +3 (-120).

The Chargers have a very good offense and a solid offensive line, but they have yet to show that they can be effective running the ball. Against this Broncos defense, you need to be able to run the ball to open up the passing game, and without that, the Chargers will struggle to win by a comfortable margin. Look for this to be Denver's best defensive outing thus far and for this to be a very close game.

This is a lean because Broncos QB Bo Nix has not looked spectacular, while the Chargers have started the season very strong. LA is the superior team and should win this game straight up.

Over/Under

PASS.

Normally, this would be an obvious game to hit the Under, but neither team has performed as expected. LA has looked strong, but its offense has been primarily passing rather than run-heavy. Meanwhile, Denver’s defense has not been as stifling as anticipated, making the Over a real possibility. The smarter play here is to focus on the moneyline and/or the spread instead.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Denver Broncos at LA Chargers odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Payton Shanks, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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