2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 17

Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) at Denver Broncos (6-8)

Sunday, December 30, 4:25PM ET

The door is open. For most of the time people have been paying attention, the Los Angeles Chargers have sat comfortably in the fifth seed thanks to the Chiefs. Now, however, the Chargers have one final opportunity to make a jump from No. 5 to No. 1.

That’s because Kansas fell to the Seahawks last Sunday night, pulling even with Los Angeles at 11-4. Although it seems highly unlikely the Chiefs lose to the Raiders in Week 17, the Chargers need to at least try to come away with the win in case an upset occurs. Because if it does, Los Angeles will vault into the top spot in the AFC if they succeed against the Denver Broncos.

That won’t be easy, though. Despite their ugly record, the Broncos have been a decent team this season. The Denver defense has had some exceptional games, and the offense has played well when rookie Phillip Lindsay can get going. Case Keenum has turned into a crutch, but even he’s had a couple of quality games in 2018.

Still, I think the Chargers have more than enough talent on both sides of the ball to achieve victory. Even if the Chiefs do prevail against Oakland, a win will be a good boost for Los Angeles going into what will be an exciting Wild Card round in the AFC.

Prediction: Chargers win 27-14