The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Thursday’s Broncos-Chargers game:

Paul Klee’s pick: Chargers 20, Broncos 17

Can Denver hold on to its win streak? First, the Broncos must hang onto the ball. Only Aaron Rodgers has seen more dropped passes than Bo Nix, according to Pro Football Reference. The good news? Chargers QB Justin Herbert has seen the same number of drops as Nix: 25.

Klee’s record: 9-5 overall

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 20, Chargers 17

It won’t be pretty but the Broncos clinch a playoff spot on the “road” in Los Angeles. There will be plenty of orange and blue in the crowd on Thursday. The Denver defense puts pressure on Justin Herbert and makes his night miserable and the offense does just enough.

Schmaedeke’s record: 11-3 overall

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Chargers 20, Broncos 16

Tomasson’s record: 10-4 overall

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 17, Chargers 16

Can Sean Payton find a running game? Does he even want to try? If the answer is yes, then the Broncos can clinch a playoff berth in sunny So Cal. And if the answer is no? Well, then that playoff berth might well hang in the balance to the final quarter of football on the final weekend of this NFL season.

Kiszla’s record: 8-6 overall

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Chargers 24, Broncos 21

All good things must come to an end. The Broncos’ win streak gets snapped at four games when their dominant defense doesn’t cover for an inconsistent offense. Denver won’t make any noise in the playoffs if it can’t figure out how to run the football consistently.

Fredrickson’s record: 10-4 overall