The Denver Broncos Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers is an absolute must-win if they want any shot at the playoffs. Even if they do win Sunday, they will need to win their final game and still get a ton of help to reach the postseason. Nevertheless, the Broncos look to continue their recent dominance over the Chargers, and we'll make our Broncos Week 17 predictions now.

Denver has won four of the previous five meetings, and are 15-5 against the Chargers going back to 2012.

For more insight on the Broncos' Week 17 matchup against the Chargers, listen below:

Earlier this season, the Broncos defense made Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert look his age. It was one of the worst games Herbert has had as a pro. He finished throwing for over 300 yards, but a lot of that was in garbage time. Herbert was picked off by Patrick Surtain II twice. The second one Surtain II took it to the house, effectively ending the game.

As good as the Broncos defense has been against Herbert and the Chargers, the key to this game will be the other side of the ball. Here are my Denver Broncos Week 17 bold predictions for their game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Broncos Week 17 Predictions

4. Drew Lock will continue to show why he is an NFL backup QB

The Denver Broncos are reportedly slated to start Drew Lock at quarterback because starter Teddy Bridgewater will not be available. Bridgewater sustained a concussion in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He missed last week's game against the Raiders and is expected to miss this week as well.

Lock got a brief look at the Chargers defense earlier this year. In their matchup in Week 12, Bridgewater was forced to leave due to injury briefly. Lock came into the game but went 4-7 for 26 yards and an interception. Lock's receiving corps will be a bit short-handed. Wide receiver Tim Patrick was placed into the league's COVID-19 reserve list Wednesday.

Patrick has been one of the better receivers for Denver this season. The Broncos also placed starting right tackle Bobby Massie on the COVID-19 reserve list. Lock will therefore rely heavily on Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. But most of Drew Lock's work will be turning around and handing the ball off Sunday.

3. Patrick Surtain II will pick off Justin Herbert again

Surtain II has arguably been one of the best cover corners in the league this year. Some believe he was shafted when he was not announced as a member of the AFC Pro Bowl squad. That is despite the four interceptions, 12 passes defense, and a number of very good receivers that he has held check this season.

The Broncos drafted Surtain II with the 9th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama. To this point, he has not disappointed. Surtain II is one of the better defensive rookies this season and has played almost every snap this season. That does not happen with rookies all too often.

The Broncos rush defense has been an above average unit for most of the year. If they can force the Chargers to be one-dimensional Sunday, Herbert is likely to turn the ball over at least once. My money is on Surtain II being the one to get it.

4. Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon III get back on track

During last week's loss, Melvin Gordon III rushed for a career-low -4 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders. The team as a whole struggled on the ground, finishing with only 18 rushing yards on 16 carries. Both of those were season lows for Denver.

However, in their 28-13 win over the Chargers earlier this season, the Broncos rushed for 147 yards and picked up 4.5 yards per carry. The Chargers rush defense is among the worst in the NFL. Last week, Houston Texans tailback Rex Burkhead went nuts, rushing for a career-high 149 yards and two touchdowns.

https://twitter.com/FTB_Vids_YT/status/1475172694530445318

Yes, Rex Burkhead ran for almost a buck fifty vs the Chargers defense. As a team, the Texans rushed for 189 yards. That was the 5th time this season a team has rushed for over 180 yards against Los Angeles.

1. Broncos hold a 4th quarter lead, but won't be enough

Denver should be able to control the clock Sunday. That's a great way to beat Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Don't let him and that offense on the field. I believe the Broncos will be able to do that quite well.

However, the loss of Bobby Massie at right tackle will be felt at times during the game. Without a quarterback capable to making big throws down the field, the Chargers won't just be flattened like they were in the first meeting.

As I touched on earlier, Denver's defense is good enough to give Herbert fits again. But ultimately, he has shown he can make big plays in crunch time. I think we'll see that again Sunday as Herbert will lead the Chargers from behind for a victory.