Week 16 Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers prediction and fantasy outlook feat. Justin Herbert, Bo Nix 

The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers are on the rebound. Both are expected to make the playoffs, and they have been in a heated race for the runner-spot in the AFC West behind the dominant Kansas City Chiefs.

However, there are major differences in the teams' backgrounds. The Broncos have not January football ever since Peyton Manning's retirement, with the period between then and now marred by a quarterback carousel that did not end until the current emergence of Bo Nix.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have reached the playoffs already – an appearance marred by one of the most embarrassing collapses in recent memory, going from leading 27-0 to losing 31-30 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022-23 postseason.

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Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers prediction

Both rosters do not exactly have the best offensive rosters. Other than Justin Herbert and Courtland Sutton, there is a great lack of star scorers.

Instead, the main selling point is the defense. The Chargers boast one of the league's top pass-rushing pairs in Pro Bowlers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, each man capable of breaching offensive lines and sacking quarterbacks. They also have another Pro Bowler leading the secondary in safety Derwin James.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have only one Pro Bowler in their defense – cornerback Pat Surtain II. However, they do have a few fast-rising pieces in linebackers Nik Bonitto (the first 10-sack player in franchise history since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in 2018) and Cody Barton (two interceptions and a fumble return touchdown).

One should expect a mostly defensive grind that ends with the Bolts once again prevailing.

Prediction: Chargers 13, Broncos 6

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Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers fantasy outlook

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Los Angeles Chargers - Source: Getty

Justin Herbert is easily the player to watch in the game. He is easily the most accomplished offensive player on the roster, and he has been able to keep his team in playoff contention despite a complete lack of star power among his cast.

He has been able to do this largely thanks to his new receiving quartet of Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston and Will Dissly. While not as star-studded as Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, they have been capable, with McConkey coming close to 1,000 yards and Johnston nearing double-digit touchdowns despite a lingering drops problem.

If he can overcome the Broncos' seventh-ranked QB defense (14.57 points allowed), then Sportskeeda's QB14 should dominate.

Meanwhile, QB11 Bo Nix is making his case as one of the more dominant rookies of this season. His dynamicism, both in the air and on the ground, has dramatically his team's offensive situation, with Courtland Sutton in particular catching ten touchdowns – the first time he has done so in his career.

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How to watch Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The game can be streamed on Amazon Prime beginning at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit will call the action with Kaylee Hartung providing fieldside updates. Alternatively, residents in the Los Angeles and Denver metropolitan areas can watch the game on KTTV and KMGH, respectively.

Who do you think will come away with the win when the Denver Broncos take on the LA Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.