The Broncos are running out of things to play for as their playoff chances are near zero, but I do think they rally around their new QB Jarret Stidham. Motivations aside, I think the Bronco offense moves better this week behind Stidham and I like the Bronco defense to put the clamps on a Chargers offense led by Easton Stick, an inefficient Austin Ekeler and a host of backup WRs. Great spot for Sean Payton and this defense to flex at home.

This is odd. The Broncos are holding out an apparently healthy Russell Wilson for contractual reasons even though they have not been eliminated from playoff contention. Jarrett Stidham, who has thrown zero passes this season and has slightly more career interceptions than TD throws, gets the call. The QB advantage might shift to Easton Stick, who was sharp against the Bills in his second start. The Chargers showed some admirable oomph in a near-upset of Buffalo and presumably will continue to play hard for interim coach Giff Smith, who replaced the reportedly unpopular Brandon Staley.

Last week I faded the Broncos even though my power ratings said they had value, as I did not love the matchup and thought it was tough for this inconsistent Denver team to be laying a bunch of points. The matchup is seemingly better here, but after I watched Bailey Zappe throw all over this defense, I'm not ruling out a big game from Easton Stick here. The Broncos haven't covered any of the six games where they've been favored by more than a point, and their offense didn't really light up L.A. in their first meeting. I expect a field goal game here, and I'm willing to fade my Denver rating again with the premise they shouldn't be big favorites against anyone.