NFL Betting: Chargers Throttle Broncos on Christmas Eve

LaDainian Tomlinson gave San Diego fans a holiday thrill on Christmas Eve. (AP Images)

Everything was merry for fans at Qualcomm Stadium on Christmas Eve. The San Diego Chargers gave them a gift with a 23-3 blowout of AFC rival Denver in the last Monday Night Football game of the season. Of course, the greatest wish by Bolts fans is a Super Bowl victory.

With another convincing win, the Chargers (10-5 straight up and against the spread) will make many wonder if they might have a chance against the New England Patriots, should the teams meet in the AFC playoffs.

San Diego went up 16-0 in the first half on the strength of a LaDainian Tomlinson touchdown and three field goals by Nate Kaeding. Although Tomlinson left early in the second half because coach Norv Turner wanted to rest his star, the Chargers didn’t let up. Philip Rivers threw a TD to Chris Chambers in the third quarter to make it 23-0 as the Chargers easily covered the point spread, which favored them by nine, while the betting total went under 47. The Chargers finished to 7-1 SU and ATS at home this season. Denver dropped to 6-9 (4-11 ATS).

San Diego, which had already clinched the division title, maintained its hold on the No. 3 spot in the AFC. At 10-5, the Bolts are tied with the AFC North champion Steelers. Both teams want to avoid the red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round and San Diego can do that with a win Sunday in Oakland or a Pittsburgh loss to Baltimore.

For NFL odds for Week 17, visit the Bodog Sportsbook.