Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

DENVER (Interstat) — The AFC West title and a potential first-round playoff bye will be on the line Sunday when the Denver Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The Broncos (13-3), having already secured a playoff berth, can clinch the division with a victory. The Chargers (11-5) need a win and help to claim the crown, but are locked into a postseason spot.

Denver, led by quarterback Bo Nix, enters with the conference’s second-best record. Nix has been dynamic, accounting for six touchdowns (four passing, two rushing) in his last two games, including a 20-13 road win over Kansas City on Dec. 25. In that victory, he threw for 182 yards and a touchdown and added 42 yards and a score on the ground.

The Chargers are looking to rebound from a 20-16 home loss to Houston last Saturday. Star quarterback Justin Herbert was efficient in defeat, completing 21 of 32 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 37 yards. Herbert has been a dual-threat force, accounting for nine touchdowns (five passing, four rushing) over Los Angeles’ last five contests.

The teams split their season series. The Chargers won 23-20 in Los Angeles on Sept. 21, while a later scheduled meeting on Jan. 3 was not played, likely due to scheduling adjustments.

Weather should not be a major factor, with cloudy skies and a game-time temperature near 61 degrees forecast.

Despite the Chargers’ strong record, betting markets list Denver as a heavy favorite. The Broncos are favored by 13.5 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, which set the over/under at 37.5. Analytics firm Interstat projects a 32-23 Broncos victory.

The game is scheduled for 2:25 p.m. MST Sunday and will be televised on CBS.