San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos: NFL Betting Odds and Playoff Picks

San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday, 1/12/14, 4:40 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Denver -9.5
Current Betting Line: Denver -9
Opening Total: 54.5
Current Total: 54
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning is the leader of the NFL's top offense — Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning is the leader of the NFL’s top offense

San Diego has won five games in a row, including a 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals as 6.5-point road underdogs to open up the NFL playoffs, while going UNDER the betting total of 47.5. The Chargers have averaged 170.2 rushing yards over their current winning streak, which is important to consider when making your NFL betting picks, but it’s important to point out that running back Ryan Mathews is dealing with a seemingly bothersome ankle injury. San Diego is 2-0 SUATS as road underdogs of 7.5 to 10 points the last two-plus seasons.

The Chargers were able to overcome an early touchdown deficit in picking up a 27-20 victory over the Broncos as 10-point road underdogs on Dec. 12, with that game going UNDER the betting total of 56.5. San Diego is capable of picking up a victory in this spot with Philip Rivers under center, as he’s won six of eight all-time trips to the Mile High City—posting a 99.1 passer rating in those affairs. Defensively, the team must be able to get Denver signal-caller Peyton Manning off his spot—limiting his ability to connect with some of the best weapons in the league.

Denver owns an 18-17 SU all-time record in postseason play, including a 13-4 mark when playing at home, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines. The Broncos earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs by finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record, as they outscored opponents by a sizable 606-399 margin. Offensively, the team led the league in averaging 37.9 points and 457.3 yards per game, with Manning having one of the best statistical seasons in league history. Denver is 4-2 SUATS as home favorites of 7.5 to 10 points the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 4-2 in that situation.

The Broncos totaled the most points in NFL history for a single season—averaging 10.1 more than the next closest team. Denver allowed the fewest sacks in the league this season, with a league-high six games without surrendering a quarterback takedown, which serves well for Manning to strike against a less-than-stellar Chargers secondary. The team was the first in history to have five players score at least 10 touchdowns from scrimmage.