Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Matchup Preview (11/1/20): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

The Chargers’ season has not been fantastic so far; however, it seems that the franchise has found their QB. Herbert has been playing like an elite NFL QB, let alone an elite rookie QB. Meanwhile, the Broncos are trying to figure out if they have their franchise QB with Drew Lock. Lock struggled last week against the Chiefs and will want to get back on track in this divisional matchup. It will be a showdown in The Centennial State on Sunday.

For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos Matchup Page.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, November 1st, 2020
Time: 4:05 PM ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colorado
TV Coverage: FOX

Chargers vs. Broncos Live Stream

Where can you watch Chargers vs. Broncos online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Chargers vs. Broncos Free Online Now.

Injuries:

Los Angeles Chargers:
Denver Broncos:

Los Angeles Chargers Analysis

Justin Herbert has to be the topic of conversation when speaking to this Chargers team. He has looked outstanding since his Week 2 surprise start against the Chiefs. However, in his last two games, he has 7 passing touchdowns, and that is with most of the defensive focus on him. Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson have not done much on the ground, but it seemingly does not matter if the defense knows that Herbert is going to pass; he still hits his man.

Speaking to Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley, they need to start finding some kind of space to help out their QB. While Herbert has done fine, it is not fair to him to have to gain all the yards. While it will be hard to get on track against this stout front for the Broncos, they need to do better. If they can get going at all and even average a measly 4 yards per carry, this could make a massive difference for this Chargers’ offense.

At the end of the day, this game revolves around the two QBs. Justin Herbert will have to continue his dominance to win this game in Denver. The secondary group for the Broncos is the one spot that you can see success against a stout Vic Fangio defense. Justin Herbert will lean on Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to win their matchups in this game. If they do, Herbert has proven that he can find them and hit them for massive plays.

The defense will have the job of stopping all the weapons at Lock’s disposal. One way to do that is to get Bosa and Ingram into Lock’s face. If Drew Lock cannot get time to find his target, then he cannot hurt this team. It will be interesting to see who Casey Hayward lines up against, whether it will be Jerry Jeudy, the stud rookie, or Tim Patrick, who has slotted into the Courtland Sutton role.

The front seven were torn up by James Robinson, and Melvin Gordon has every opportunity to do the same in this game. The Chargers will need to do better in this game against the RB position. If Melvin Gordon gets going, the Broncos will be able to drive and eat clock, not letting the stud rookie QB, Justin Herbert, get on the field.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart

QB: Tyrod Taylor
RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2: Justin Jackson
WR1: Keenan Allen
WR2: Mike Williams
WR3: Joe Reed
TE: Hunter Henry

Denver Broncos Analysis

Drew Lock has not seen the same success as Justin Herbert; however, the Broncos’ fans are hoping that could change and change soon. Lock has shown flashes of insane arm talent, and the Broncos have loaded this roster with talent. Lock has every opportunity to succeed, and this game will be one where they are counting on him to do so.

Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, and Noah Fant are a wonderful set of receiving options. Drew Lock just needs to get to the place where he can consistently facilitate the ball to them. We all know that Lock can air it out deep, but the Broncos may want to try a more intermediate approach in this game. Let Drew Lock get going and hit some easy passes. Jerry Jeudy excels at route running and getting open at every level of the field, and Noah Fant is always winning his matchup. Let Lock hit these two and then take his chances long, and I could see the Broncos having a good day at the office in their passing attack.

Melvin Gordon may be the primary offensive piece for the Broncos in this game. Gordon is playing against the team who let him walk, and I imagine that he wants to prove that was the wrong decision. I am sure that Gordon is aware of what James Robinson did against the Chargers’ defense last game and will be looking to put up a similar performance. With Lindsay trending out, it will all fall on Gordon’s shoulders to show up in this game and provide a spark for the Broncos.

Defensively, this game will be all about containing Herbert. The first thing will be for Bradley Chubb and this defensive line to get pressure on Herbert. Do not give him the time to burn you deep for multiple 40+ yard throws. Then, the second key piece is the secondary showing up. These CBs will need to find a way to slow down Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, which is no easy task.

Denver Broncos Depth Chart

QB: Drew Lock
RB1: Melvin Gordon
RB2: Phillip Lindsay
WR1: Courtland Sutton
WR2: Jerry Jeudy
WR3: KJ Hamler
TE: Noah Fant

Betting Corner Chargers -3

Odds:
Spread: LAC -3
Moneyline: LAC -176 | DEN +146
Over/Under: 44.5

Predictions:
Spread: LAC
Moneyline: LAC
Over/Under: Over

I do not believe that this game will be the defensive battle that the Vegas over/under has it pegged to be. Justin Herbert will have a massive day at the office once again, against this weaker secondary for the Broncos. This will give the Chargers an early lead that they will maintain throughout. However, Melvin Gordon will also have a good game, and that will allow for Lock to hit some deep throws off of play action for big plays. I actually see this game ending in a surprise barnburner, with Herbert’s talents being the difference-maker.

Chargers win this one 31-27.

Daily Fantasy Picks

Melvin Gordon, at $5,600, is the steal of the week at RB. He will be the primary back for a rushing offense against a bad rush defense. Melvin Gordon does not even have to replicate what James Robinson did to have a good week, but he has every chance to match it. I think that Gordon is a perfect cash play, but he also could be useful in GPP plays.

Mike Williams, at $4,400, I understand that Williams has been very boom or bust, but that is a chance you need to take in GPP. This is a game that will see Herbert once again air it out, and the hope is that Williams sees a bigger share of those targets. I believe that Williams will, and he will get huge plays and scores in this game.

Noah Fant, at $4,700, is another cash play that I like. He will have a solid performance in this game and will not cost you an arm and a leg at a position that you should be saving money at. Fant allows you to get a top tier TE without having to pay the Kittle or Kelce premium. I highly recommend this play in your double-ups.