Broncos-Chargers odds 2015: Brock Osweiler's Broncos open as favorites for first time

The Denver Broncos (9-2) are four-point favorites against the San Diego Chargers (3-8) in Week 13, according to the latest NFL odds.

San Diego ended a six-game slide last week in coming back to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars; it's an unusual season for Philip Rivers and company. Most of their struggles have been on the defensive side, where they are 24th in yards allowed, 30th in points allowed, and 30th in defensive DVOA. Things aren't so bad on the offensive side, but they are still averaging only 22.2 points per game, less than the Broncos' 22.9.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have had a pretty good few weeks. They just ended the New England Patriots' undefeated run in an epic snow game. Quarterback Brock Osweiler is featured on the regional cover of Sports Illustrated, and, for the first time as starting quarterback, Brock's Broncos open as favorites in Vegas.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak talked about Osweiler's success to date.

"I think the No. 1 thing that's impressed me is I think he understands exactly what he needs to do for the team to be successful," said Kubiak. "Sometimes guys will get put in situations and they'll try to do too much. I think he understands he's on a good football team. If he'll just do his job, handle the ball well, handle the team well, then our football team will have a chance to be successful. I'm really impressed with how he's approached that. He's very comfortable in his preparation, his work and obviously he's confident in his abilities. I really think just understanding the situation he's in and handling it might by the No. 1 thing."

Osweiler will get a chance to show he can handle the team well in a divisional setting for the first time Sunday against the Chargers.