Chargers 3-19 Broncos, Denver earns AFC top seed, summary: score, stats, highlights | NFL Week 18

Broncos roll to 19-3 win over Chargers, clinch AFC’s No. 1 seed

The Denver Broncos delivered a dominant defensive performance in a tense Week 18 showdown, knocking off the Los Angeles Chargers 19–3 at Empower Field at Mile High and earning the AFC's top seed, along with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Defense dominates

In a game highlighted by stout defense and methodical offense, the Broncos kept Los Angeles off the scoreboard until a lone Chargers field goal in the first half, while Denver steadily built its lead behind timely scoring and a game-changing interception.

Denver’s defense was the story from the start. Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian turned a shaky Chargers possession into points early, stepping in front of a Trey Lance pass and returning it 45 yards for a pick-six to give the Broncos a 10–0 lead in the first quarter.

The Broncos pressure continued throughout, sacking backup quarterback Trey Lance four times and holding Los Angeles to just 136 passing yards. Denver’s front seven consistently disrupted the Chargers’ rhythm, while the secondary limited big plays and forced short, frustrating possessions.

Offensively, the Broncos leaned on balance and efficiency. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 14 of 23 passes for 141 yards, and despite being sacked four times, Nix avoided turnovers and managed the game efficiently, leaning on the run game and taking what the Chargers’ defense allowed. Denver mixed in the run with success, as Jaleel McLaughlin rushed for 49 yards, helping keep the Chargers’ defense honest.

Kicker Wil Lutz was perfect, going 4-for-4 on field goals - from 41, 26, 23 and 41 yards - to steadily build Denver’s lead when the offense stalled near the red zone.

Chargers unable to break through

For the Chargers, the absence of starters like Justin Herbert, Derwin James Jr. and Tuli Tuipulotu was apparent. Lance finished 20-of-44 for 136 yards with 1 interception and a costly fumble, struggling to consistently move the ball. Los Angeles’ lone score came on a 30-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker late in the second quarter.

A potential Chargerstouchdown in the fourth was negated by an illegal-formation penalty, and Denver’s defense held firm in the red zone, turning Chargers drives into punts and short-field goal attempts.

What this means for the NFL Playoffs

The Broncos (14–3) finish the regular season as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, earning the highly prized first-round bye and ensuring all of their remaining playoff games will be at Mile High, a significant advantage in January. Denver will now await the results of Wild Card Weekend, where the lowest remaining seed will visit Denver in the Divisional Round.

The Chargers (11–6) will remain in the playoffs, but they drop to the seventhseed after wins by the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots. They will face the Pats, who earned the second seed in the AFC after their victory, on the road in the Wild Card Round.

BRONCOS WIN - EARN AFC TOP SEED!

Nix took the knee to end the game. After NO offensive touchdowns for either team, the Broncos came away with the 19-3 win over the Chargers. They now clinch the AFC's No. 1 seed and earn the first-round bye week in the postseason and home-field advantage.

Lance throws the ball away under pressure and Broncos take over at their own 11 with 16 seconds left on the clock

Broncos take final timeout

After all that, Lance's next pass was incomplete and now the Chargers are at 4th and goal 

The Chargers had a SECOND touchdown NULLIFIED! Lance made the pass to Harris in the end zone who dragged his feet to keep them in, but the ball wasn't in so it was ruled incomplete.

Or not....Illegal Formation on Chargers after Lance made the 6-yard pass to Davis in the end zone for what would have been a touchdown.

2nd and goal

Lance spikes the ball to stop the clock - 2nd and goal 

Lance pass to Harris again for 16yards - 1st and goal at the Broncos 6

Lance pass to Harris complete for 12yards - 1st down at the Broncos 22

The initial ruling was REVERSED - pass was ruled incomplete, 4th and 10

Lance pass was caught by Dissly and he FUMBLED it, but the officials may rule it incomplete? Play is under review.

Lance pass incomplete to McMillan - 3rd and 10

Lance spiked the ball to stop the clock - 2nd and 10 at the Broncos 34

Lance pass caught by Patterson for 4 yards and the 1st down

Lance pass incomplete to Harris

Lance pass caught by Conklin for 6 yards - 2nd and 4

Chargers go for it on 4th down and 4 and Lance scrambles for 15YARDS and the 1st down

TWO-MINUTE WARNING

With just 2 minutes left to play in the game, it's looking grim for the Chargers. They're down by 16 points to the Broncos. 

Denver, on the other hand, is just moments away from sealing the top seed in the AFC. The Chargers have the ball at their own 41 at 4th and 4...

Lance pass complete to Dissly for 6 yards - 4th and 4

Lance pass incomplete again - 3rd and 10

Lance pass incomplete - 2nd and 10

Broncos take second timeout

Lutz kicks to the end zone - touchback to Chargers 35

The Broncos once again failed to convert in the red zone, but who cares really? Lutz made his fourth fieldgoal, this time from 23yards, to make it a 16-point lead over LA with just 02:23 left to play.

BRONCOS FIELD GOAL!

Nix pass complete to Harvey and he gains just 5 - 4th and 3

Nix was standing still frozen for quite some time looking for what to do before he was finally SACKED by Oweh for a loss of 4 - 3rd and 8 at the Chargers 9

Chargers take second timeout

Harvey gains 6, 1st and goal at the 5

Nix pass caught by Bryant for 11 yards - 1st down at the Chargers 11

Chargers' Leonard was injured on the play

Badie gains a yard - 2nd and 9

Nix pass to Badie and he runs for 12 yards - 1st down

Harvey stopped by Ogbonnia for no gain - 3rd and 5

McLaughlin picks up 5 - 2nd and 5

Nix's short pass to McLaughlin was caught and he ran it 17 yards - 1st down at the Chargers 39

Lance pass caught by Vidal and he's stuffed by Surtain for a loss of 2 yards - Broncos will take over at their own 44

Chargers will go for it...may as well.

Lance escapes a sack and runs for 10 yards - 4th and 7 at the Broncos 42

Lance pass complete to Patterson for a gain of a yard

Chargers are called for IneligibleDownfieldPass (Taylor), declined 

3rd and 17

Lance SACKED by Uwazurike and Jones for a loss of 8 yards to push them out of Broncos territory - 2nd and 18

Lance scrambles for 22 yards - 1st down and then some

False Start on Chargers' Deculus - 3rd and 12

Lance pass complete to Allen for 8 yards - 3rd and 7

Lance pass incomplete to Allen - 2nd and 15

Lance pass complete to Gadsden for 2 yards, but Chargers are called for Ineligible Downfield Pass on Taylor - 5 yards, 1st and 15 

Lutz kicks to the end zone - touchback to the Chargers 35

After the Broncos defense gave the team yet another turnover after a sack and forced fumble on Trey Lance, the offense once again failed to get into the end zone despite being at the 20-yard line. Lutz, however, continues to make points happen, this time making a field goal from 41 yards out and making it a two-score game with 11:45 left to play.

BRONCOS FIELD GOAL!

Nix SACKED by Eboigbe for a loss of a yard - 4th and 12

Chargers take first timeout

Harvey swallowed up by Kennard and Ogbonnia for a loss of a yard - 3rd and 11

Nix pass incomplete to Mims - 2nd and 10

Lance SACKED and FUMBLED!! Benitto stripped it and Broncos' JONES recovered it!

Denver will take over at the Chargers 20! 

Crawshaw punts to the Chargers 24 and Davis makes the fair catch

Harvey takes the handoff but Wax shoves him back for a loss of a yard - 4th and 2

Nix pass complete to Mims for 7 yards - 3rd and 1

END THIRD QUARTER

That takes us to the end of the 3rd quarter. There still hasn't been an offensive touchdown in this game, but the Broncos  lead the Chargers 13-3 as we head into the final quarter with the AFC top seed on the line.

Harvey gains 2 - 2nd and 8

Scott punts to Broncos 19 and Mims makes the fair catch

Lance pass incomplete - 4th and 9

Patterson stopped after just a yard by Strnad and Roach - 3rd and 9

Lance. pass incomplete to Dissly, defended by Strnad - 2nd and 10

Lance rushes for 2 and the 1st down 

Vidal takes it again, gains 2 - 3rd and 2 

Vidal picks up 7 - 2nd and 3

Crawshaw punts to the end zone - touchback

Nix pass caught by Sutton for 5 yards - 4th and 3

Nix pass complete to Bryant for 9 yards - 3rd and 8

Nix SACKED by Eboigbe for a loss of 7 yards - 2nd and 17

Scott punted to the Broncos 12 and Mims took it 33 yards to the 45

Lance SACKED by Strnad for a loss of 8 yards - 4th and 16

Patterson taken back by Moss and Allen for a loss of 2 yards - 3rd and 8 at the Chargers 43

Lance kept the ball, rushed for a 4 yards - 2nd and 6

Chargers have won the challenge! Allen made the catch AND the 1st down!

Lance pass called a catch by Allen for 4 yards, which would've made it 4th and 1

It looked like the ball hit the ground as a potentially incomplete pass, but oddly enough, the Chargers are the ones challenging the call, saying it was actually a 1st down! We shall see...

Lance somehow escaped after colliding with Bonitto and gained 2 yards - 3rd and 5

Vidal gains 3 - 2nd and 7

Chargers' Williamson was injured on the play

Lutz kicked to the Chargers 10 and Patterson returned it 21 yards to the 31

The Broncos still weren't able to get into the end zone even after a setup by Engram on a 37-yard catch from Nix. Lutz made his second field goal from 26 yards to make it a 10-point lead for Denver with 10:07 to go in the 3rd quarter. 

BRONCOS FIELD GOAL!

Nix pass incomplete to Harvey - 4th and goal at the 8

Nix pass incomplete to Franklin - 3rd and goal

Harvey swallowed up by Wax and Oweh for no gain - 2nd and goal

Nix pass deep is CAUGHT by Engram for a 37-yard gain! 1st down at the Chargers 8

McLaughlin runs it for 8 yards - 1st down

Nix scrambles for 7 yards - 2nd and 3

Scott punts to the Broncos 36 and Mims takes it to the 40

Lance pass incomplete - 4th and 8

Lance escapes pressure and passes deep to Allen, but it's incomplete - 3rd and 8

Broncos' DE Eyioma Uwazurike was injured on the play

Patterson picks up 2 yards - 2nd and 8

Crawshaw punts to the Chargers 12 and Davis makes the fair catch

Nix pass incomplete to Harvey - 4th and 4

McLaughlin picks up 6 - 3rd and 4

Nix pass tipped by Hand (that's his name, I swear) - incomplete, 2nd and 10

And we are BACK for the second half!

Dicker kicked to the end zone - touchback to the Broncos 35

HALFTIME

Nix takes the knee to end the half.

It's been a mostly defensive game so far with just a field goal scored by each offense so far and the Broncos coming away with a defensive touchdown. 

The Broncos will get the ball on offense to start the second half.

Dicker kicked to the end zone - touchback to Broncos 35

Cameron Dicker made the 30-yard field goal with 3 seconds left on the clock to end the first half with points on the board for the Chargers.

CHARGERS FIELD GOAL!

Unfortunately though, Lambert-Smith was injured during the play

Lance pass to Lambert-Smith was caught and he picked up 18yards for the 1st down at the Broncos 12

Delay of Game on Chargers - 5 yards, 3rd and 15

Lance pass nearly intercepted by Moss, who jumped right in front of the ball but missed it - 3rd and 10

Lance spiked the ball to stop the clock - 2nd and 10

Lance pass caught by Allen for 8 yards and the 1st down with the clock running

Lance pass to Lambert-Smith caught for 6 yards - 3rd and 3

Lance pass to Gadsden complete for 6 yards - 2nd and 9

False Start on Chargers' Hart - 5 yards, 1st and 15

Haskins gains 3 yards to get the 1st down

After the review, officials call it short of the down - 4th and 1 for the Chargers at the Broncos 43 - they go for it....

Lance pass called complete to Allen for 6 yards, but he could've been short - Broncos will challenge it

Broncos take first timeout

Allen gains 2 yards - 3rd and 6

TWO-MINUTE WARNING

Two minutes left in the first half - Broncos are up 10-0 but the Chargers will look to get something going ahead of the half as they have the ball at the 50.

Lance pass short to Allen is caught for 2 yards - 2nd and 8

Lance escapes a sack, scrambles for 11 yards - 1st down

Crawshaw punted to the Chargers 37, out of bounds

Nix pass caught by Engram, but Hart makes the tackle after a yard - 4th and 14

Nix pass incomplete - 3rd and 15

Harvey tackled right away by Caldwell and Phillips - 2nd and 15

Nix scrambled 6 yards but Broncos' Trautman was called for Illegal Shift - 5 yards, 1st and 15

Nix under pressure and he gets away for a gain of 11 yards for the 1st down

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles was injured on the play

Harvey picks up 3 - 3rd and 4

Mix pass caught by Mims for 3 yards - 2nd and 7

Scott punts to the Broncos 14 and Mims makes the fair catch

Lance pass short to Patterson for 4 yards - 4th and 12

Lance pass complete to Davis for 6 yards - 3rd and 16

Lance SACKED by Bonitto and Allen for a huge loss of 12 yards - 2nd and 22

Lance pass caught by Gadsden and he picks up 17yards - 1st down

Lance pass incomplete - 3rd and 6

Patterson gains 4 - 2nd and 6

Crawshaw kicks to the 16 and Davis returns it 11 yards to the 27

Nix got the ball away as he was being tackled and Engram made the catch but it was only good for 7 yards - 4th and 8 will force the punt

Nix pass dropped by Harvey - 3rd and 15

Nix SACKED by Phillips and Jefferson for a loss of 5 yards - 2nd and 15

Badie breaks through for a huge gain of 16 yards to pick up the 1st down

Harvey taken down by Dye for a loss of 4 yards - 3rd and 13

Harvey swallowed up by Eboigbe and Ogbonnia for a gain of just a yard - 2nd and 9

Scott punts to the Broncos 16 and Mims makes the fair catcj

Lance tried for a QB sneak, but the Broncos stopped him for no gain - 4th and 1

END FIRST QUARTER

That takes us to the end of the first quarter. The Chargers haven't been able to get much going on offense so far. The Broncos scored a field goal on their opening drive and came away with a pick-six on the Chargers' next possession just a minute or so later. 

The Chargers now have the ball at their own 30 on a 3rd and 1.

Patterson runs it up 9 yards - 3rd and 1

Lance under pressure, pass is incomplete - 2nd and 10

Crawshaw punts to the Chargers 21, downed by Skinner

Nix pass incomplete to Sutton - 4th and 5

Broncos center Alex Forsyth was injured on the play

Nix runs it again, gains 3 - 3rd and 5

Nix escapes a sack and runs out of bounds after 2 yards - 2nd and 8

Scott kicks to the end zone - touchback

Lance pass deep is incomplete again, over Allen's head - 4th and 10

Lance pass deep to Lambert-Smith isn't even close - incomplete, 3rd and 10

Patterson takes it again, but he is swallowed up immediately for no gain - 2nd and 10

Patterson gets away for 12 yards - 1st down

Lutz kicked to the Chargers 12 and Lambert-Smith returned it 18 yards to the 30

Broncos PICK SIX!

Lance's pass intended for Lambert-Smith was tipped and pickedoff by Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian, and he ran it 45 yards into the end zone for the touchdown. Lutz came out to make the extra point and extend the Broncos lead with 3:39 left to play int he 1st quarter.

Lance pass INTERCEPTED by McMillan and it's a PICK SIX for the BRONCOS!

Lance rushes for 3 yards but he's stopped by Hufanga - 3rd and 5

Patterson gains 2 yards - 2nd and 8

Lutz kicks to the end zone - touchback to Chargers 35

It was a long drive, but the Chargers defense made the stop to keep Denver out of the end zone on their opening drive. Will Lutz made the 24-yard field goal to put the Broncos ahead with 5:06 left in the first quarter.

BRONCOS FIELD GOAL!

Nix pass caught by Badie but he lost 3 yards, tackled out of bounds by Still - 4th and goal at the 6

Chargers' Jackson was injured on the play

Nix pass to Bryant is caught for 2 yards - 3rd and goal at the 3

Harvey takes it, but he's shoved back by Wax for just a 1-yard gain - 2nd and goal at the 5

McLaughlin pushes through to the right for a gain of 10 - 1st and goal at the 6

Harvey breaks through for 11 yards and another 1st down at the Chargers 16

Harvey dodges defenders for a gain of 5 and the 1st down

McLaughlin takes it up 7 yards - 2nd and 3

Nix scrambles and gets a huge run of 22yards! 1st down at the Chargers 39

Nix pass complete to Bryant this time for 9 yards and the 1st down

Nix pass incomplete to Bryant - 3rd and 6

Harvey takes the ball up 4 yards - 2nd and 6

Nix escapes a sack from Phillips, gets away for 6 yards and the 1st down

Nix hands it off to Harvey and he's tackled right away by Phillips for a gain of just a yard - 3rd and 3

McLaughlin gains 6 yards - 2nd and 4

Scott punts to the Broncos 12 and Mims makes the fair catch

Lance pass nearly picked by Singleton, incomplete under pressure - 4th and 4

Chargers take first timeout

With TreyLance under center instead of Herbert, his first pass was incomplete, but he reached Allen on the next play for a 6-yard gain to set up 3rd and 4.

GO TIME!

And we are off! The Chargers will start us off on offense.

Lutz kicked to the Chargers 1, and Lambert-Smith returned it to the 28.

The Broncos and Chargers' last meeting...

The last time the Chargers and Broncos met, it was back in September at SoFi Stadium, and LA came away with the narrow win.

Chargers 23, Broncos 20

Justin Herbert led Los Angeles efficiently despite some pressure, connecting on key passes in the second half to overcome Denver's comeback attempts. The Broncos rallied late, but a missed field goal and a clutch Chargers defensive stop sealed the victory in favor of Los Angeles.

Key takeaways:

Chargers offense: Herbert threw for 275 yards with 2 TDs, showing poise against a tough Broncos defense.

Broncos comeback: Denver’s offense staged a late surge, narrowing the deficit to 3 points, but couldn’t finish.

Deciding plays: Chargers’ defensive line forced critical 3rd-down stops, and their special teams held Denver to a field goal instead of a potential touchdown.

The Chargers won't have Herbert this time around, but they'll still look to spoil Denver's chances at the top seed and move up a spot themselves. 

Bo Nix warming up via juggling

As you do. 

Not just the seeding on the line...

at least not for Keenan Allen.

NFL

Late roster change ahead of Broncos–Chargers Week 18 clash

Denver adjusts its game-day roster before Sunday's finale as injuries affect the linebacker group and playoff positioning remains on the line.

Read more.

Chargers-Broncos Injury Report/Inactives

Chargers Injury Report

The Chargers are clearly prioritizing health heading into the postseason, resting several cornerstone players in the regular-season finale. Quarterback Justin Herbert will sit, along with defensive stars Derwin James Jr. and Tuli Tuipulotu, leaving Los Angeles shorthanded on both sides of the ball. The offensive line also takes a hit with Bradley Bozeman and Jamaree Salyer sidelined. On the positive side, the Chargers will get contributions from a few players who were questionable during the week, including Kimani Vidal, Benjamin St-Juste, and RJ Mickens, all of whom are active.

Chargers INACTIVES

QB Justin Herbert

S Derwin James Jr.

S Elijah Molden

RB Omarion Hampton

OLB Tuli Tuipulotu

OL Jamaree Salyer

C Bradley Bozeman

Broncos Injury Report

Denver will be without a key rotational piece up front, as John Franklin-Myers was downgraded to inactive after being listed as questionable late in the week. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. The good news for the Broncos comes on offense, where Pat Bryant and Nate Adkins both return after missing Week 17, giving Denver added depth at wide receiver and tight end for a game with major postseason implications.

Broncos INACTIVES

LB Dre Greenlaw

DL John Franklin-Myers

CB Reese Taylor

OLB Que Robinson

TE Marcedes Lewis

OT Geron Christian

The Broncos' final seed matters too

Obviously, we know the benefits of finishing as the No. 1 seed - first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It's the best-case scenario for the Broncos, and they'd earn it with a win today. 

As the top seed, they'll face the lowest-remaining seed in the Divisional Round - likely the Bills, Chargers, or Texans. 

But here's what would happen if they finish as the second or third seed instead.

If the Broncos finish as the No. 2 seed

The Broncos would then host the No. 7 seed in the Wild Card Round, which would likely be the Bills, but could also be the Jaguars, Texans, or Chargers. If they win that game, they would likely travel to face the No. 1 seed in the Divisional Round - either the Jaguars or Patriots. 

If the Broncos finish as the No. 3 seed

The Broncos would host the No. 6 seed in the Wild Card Round, with the likely opponents being the Los Angeles Chargers or Houston Texans. This is typically the most dangerous Wild Card matchup. The 6 seed is often closer in quality to the division winners than the 7 seed.

Then, if they win that round, the Broncos would almost certainly go on the road in the Divisional Round with their potential opponents being the Patriots or Jaguars, or possibly the No. 1 seed if bracket chaos unfolds.

Finishing 5, 6, or 7...what's the difference?

The Chargers' three potential outcomes do make a difference in their entire playoff path. Here's why.

If the Chargers finish as the No. 5 seed

The No. 4 seed hosts the No. 5 seed. In the AFC, that will be either the Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a road game, yes, but it's still Los Angeles' best-case scenario as they'd face the weakest division winner in the Wild Card Round. A win in the first round would likely set up a Divisional-Round matchup against the No. 1 or No. 2 seed, depending on other results...still tough, but with momentum and confidence.

If the Chargers finish as the No. 6 seed

The No. 3 seed hosts the No. 6 seed, so in the AFC, the Chargers would either face the Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars, or Texans on the road. And winning as the No. 6 seed in the Wild Card often means facing the No. 1 seed next.

If the Chargers finish as the No. 7 seed

The No. 7 seed must travel to face the No. 2 seed, typically one of the AFC's elite teams. In this case, the Jaguars or Patriots. This matchup often features a heavy favorite playing at home with extra rest. Even with an upset, the Chargers would likely face the No. 1 seed next. This is the toughest possible draw. Historically, No. 7 seeds rarely make deep playoff runs due to elite opponents and constant road games.

Chargers' playoff scenarios in Week 18

The Chargers are currently sitting at the sixth seed in the AFC. However, depending on what happens today, they could enter the postseason at either No. 5, 6, or 7 in the seeding. 

Chargers' playoff scenarios

How the Chargers clinch the No. 5 seed

Chargers win + Texans lose 

Chargers win + Jaguars lose

How the Chargers clinch the No. 6 seed

Chargers win + Texans win + Jaguars win 

Chargers lose + Bills lose

Texans win + Bills lose *Chargers could win or lose

How the Chargers clinch the No. 7 seed

Chargers lose + Bills win

Broncos in control of AFC top seed

Win and they're in

The Denver Broncos head into Week 18 with the AFC's top seed firmly within reach. They've already locked up their playoff berth as well as first place in the AFC West. A win over the Chargers today would clinch the No. 1 seed, securing a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, meaning every AFC contender would have to come through Mile High to reach the Super Bowl. Denver fully controls its own destiny in that regard.

What happens if the Broncos lose?

How the Broncos clinch No. 1 with a loss

If the Broncos lose, it's a little more complicated. They can still clinch the top seed with a loss in two ways:

Broncos lose + Patriots lose + Jaguars lose or tie

Broncos tie + Patriots lose or tie

How Broncos would fall to the No. 2 seed

For the Broncos to become the No. 2 seed, they need to lose their game against the Chargers, and only one of their two main competitors (Patriots or Jaguars) can win their respective game. 

Broncos lose + Jaguars lose + Patriots win

Broncos lose + Jaguars win + Patriots lose 

How the Broncos would fall to the No. 3 seed

The Broncos will slide to the No. 3 seed if they lose their game and both the Patriots and Jaguars win their Week 18 matchups. 

Broncos lose + Jaguars win + Patriots win 

Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the NFL's Week 18 season finale between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers! 

The Broncos are currently sitting at the top seed in the AFC and have a chance to lock it up with a win this afternoon. The Chargers are at the No. 6 seed, but could potentially move up with a win and some help around the league. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High. We'll be here to bring you all the updates, scores, highlights, stats, and commentary throughout the game all the way to the final whistle!