Broncos 27 vs 34 Chargers summary, stats, scores and highlights | NFL Week 16
With the game still in the balance, and the Broncos needing a stop, the Chargers stormed down the field on a six play, 2:01 drive that sealed the game for LA. Herbert's best throw of the day was his shortest one to Hassan Haskins who did the dirty work taking it 34 yards for the TD that put the nail in the Broncos' coffin.
The Chargers are now tied with the Broncos at 9-6 but because they won both matchups against Denver, they hold the tie breaker. The Ravens are the other team in the hunt for the top Wild Card spot, but. it looks as if it's going to be those three teams that get into the post season as an AFC Wild Cards. Of course a lot depends on what happens in the game between the Steelers and Ravens on Saturday.
Joshua Palmer made an insane catch in the back of the end zone for the two point conversion that put the Chargers up three. That's just the kind of second half it was for LA who seemed to have everything bouncing their way after the Fair Catch Kick call to end the first half.
Herbert really turned it on in the second half as he used his feet to get out of the pocket and scramble when he needed to. This time he looked like he might get sacked but instead he throws a dime to Derius Davis in the end zone to give the Chargers their first lead of the night.
The defense started rolling and that sparked the offense to start getting into the end zone. The first of the second half came on this Gus Edwards run just a play after a late hit on the QB flag gave LA a first down instead of a 4th and 5. LA took advantage of the flag by turning three points into seven with Edwards' second TD of the night.
An incomplete pass and a Chargers timeout stopped the clock with 8 seconds left and forced the Broncos to punt. On the return, Denver was called for a kick catch interference flag as the clock expired, which meant the Chargers got a free 15 yards and put them in range to kick a Fair Catch Kick which looks more like a kick off then a field goal. But Cameron Dicker came on the field and kicked the 57 yarder on the first Fair Catch Kick in almost half a decade.
The Chargers were driving down field late in the first half, trying to chip into the lead, but Justin Herbert made one of his only bad throws of the night when he got picked in the end zone by Kris Abrams-Davis as it looked like Denver was going into half with all the momentum.
Denver would extend the lead after a 54 yard screen pass by Marvin Mims Jr. set up Nix's second TD pass of the day. That would be the last time the Broncos got into the end zone all night. The Chargers defense woke up and looked like the top ranked defense that they were earlier in the year. Nix ended the night with 263 yards and 2 TDs on 29/40 passing, but like the rushing game, most of that came in the first half.
It looked like there was no stopping the Broncos early on as they continued to ground and pound which opened up the passing game for Bo Nix. Nix found his full back MIchael Burton with the one yard TD pass as Denver scored on their first two drives of the night.
The Chargers would respond with a TD drive of their own as Justin Herbert set up this TD with a long pass Joshua Palmer that put LA at the 3 yard line. Gus Edwards would cap the drive with a feisty run to tie the game up, but the offense would go quiet after that.
The Los Angeles Chargers took a step closer to the playoffs with a big win over their division rival on Thursday Night Football. A big second half from Justin Herbert led the Chargers over the Broncos in the 34-27 win from Sofi Stadium.
It wasn't the prettiest of starts for the Chargers who went three and out on their first drive of the game and then let the Broncos march down the field to put the opening TD on the board. The Broncos has 110 yards rushing, but most of those came in the first half.
IT'S ALL OVER!!!
The Chargers comeback on the Broncos and draw level with them in the Wild Card race!
The Broncos got the hop they needed on the onside kick but Neimann the linebacker made a great catch and that's going to do it!
FIELD GOAL!!!!
Lutz drills the 55 yard kick as Denver elected to go for a quick score and rely on the onside kick.
It's 34-27 Chargers with 57 to go.
Short pass to the right side for Williams and he runs out of bounds after an 11 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the LA 37.
Quick pass to Krull for a gain of 4 yards and a first down.
1st adn 10 from the LA 48.
Nix finds Krull on the right side for a gain of 10 yards.
4th and 3 from the DEN 48.
Nix's short pass to Williams skips off the turf and that brings up3rd and long.
3rd and 13 from the DEN 38.
WE ARE AT THE TWO MINUTE WARNING FROM LA!
Nix tucked it and ran it before lateraling the ball to Williams for a big gain but a holding call is going to bring that play back.
2nd and 13 from the DEN 38.
Nix to the right side for Franklin who makes the 7 yard catch.
2nd and 3 from the DEN 48.
Nix to the right side for Sutton and he reels it in for 11 yards.
1st and 10 from the DEN 41.
Herbert has been great all night but his moment of brilliance comes on his shortest throw of the night. Great shovel pass to Haskins who takes it all the way and just about closes Denver out.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!!
Herbert steps up in the pocket and flicks it to Haskins who makes a move past a couple defenders and takes it 34 yards for the TD!!
LA lead 34-24 with 2:27 to go in the 4th quarter! What a drive from the Chargers.
Edwards is taken down by Elliss for a loss of 3 yards. Timeout DEN with 2:36 to go.
2nd and 13 from the DEN 34.
Edwards busts into the secondary, makes a move past one defender and breaks a tackle for a gain of 43 yards!
1st and 10 from the DEN 31 with 2:42 to go.
Herbert rolls to the right side and he tucks it for a gain of 16 yards and a huge first down!
1st and 10 from the LA 26.
Pass to the left side for Johnston, but he dropped it and that will stop the clock and bring up 3rd and long.
3rd and 10 from the LA 10.
LA get the ball back from their 10 and Edwards is taken down at the line of scrimmage.
2nd and 10 from the LA 10.
Pass to Krull over the middle and he is dragged down after a gain of 7 yards but that's going to be well short of the first down.
4th and 6 from the 49 and DEN punt with 4:30 to go in the 4th quarter.
Estime up the middle and he picks up 7 yards on the draw.
3rd and 13 from the DEN 42.
DEN ball from their 45 and Nix is sacked by Dupree for a loss of 10 yards!
2nd and 20 from the DEN 35.
Sanders came up the middle untouched and dropped Herbert for a loss of 11 yards!
4th and 20 from the LA 9 LA will punt with 6:50 to go.
Play action and Herbert had the rush in his face and his pass is tipped by Cooper.
3rd and 9 from the LA 20.
Edwards up the middle and he gets a yard on first down.
2nd and 9 from the LA 20.
Herbert finds Hurst on the left side right at the marker and he lunges forward for 8 yards.
1st and 10 from the LA 19.
Short pass to the left side for Johnston and he reels it in for a gain of 6 yards.
3rd and 4 from the LA 11.
LA get the ball back from their 5 with under 10:00 to go.
Herbert rolls right in the end zone and throws all the way across the field to Johnston, but that pass falls incomplete.
2nd and 10 from the 5.
Nix rolls to the right side and looks for Watson short of marker, and that pass is broken up by Tuipulotu.
4th and 8 from the 50.
Williams to the left side and he gets a short gain of 2.
3rd and 8 from the 50.
Nix goes deep down the right sideline for Mims and that pass falls incomplete. There was a lot of contact but no flag flies for PI.
2nd and 10 from the 48.
Nix steps up in the pocket and releases at the last second for Burton with a short pass he turns into a 13 yard gain!
1st and 10 from the DEN 48.
Screen pass set up for Williams but Nix had to throw that into the dirt with pressure coming from all sides.
3rd and 5 from the DEN 35.
DEN get the ball back from the 30 and Estime gets five yards on the first down run out of the shotgun.
2nd and 5 from the DEN 35.
Check out the concentration from Palmer who made the catch and got both feet in bounds to stretch the lead to 3.
Herbert and the Chargers look like a completely different team in this second half. He hits Davis in the end zone to take the lead early in the 4th quarter.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!!
Herbert rolls to the right side and he finds Davis up the sideline and he makes the catch in the end zone for a 19 yard TD! The two point conversion is tipped and caught in the back of the end zone by Palmer!
LA lead for the first time tonight. It's 27-24 with 12:23 to go in the first quarter.
Pass over the middle for McConkey and he bursts up field for a gain of 17 yards and another first down.
1st and 10 from the DEN 19.
Herbert with a quick pass to the right side for Johnston and he makes the catch on the out route for a gain of 6.
1st and 10 from the DEN 36.
Vidal is eaten up at the line of scrimmage for no gain.
3rd and 5 from the DEN 42.
Screen pass to Vidal who got 6 yards, but an offside on DEN will give them a free five yards.
2nd and 5 from the DEN 42.
Herbert's pass to the right side is batted down at the line by Jones.
2nd and 10 from the DEN 47.
The rush came on Herbert and Cooper got to him but was flagged for a horse collar penalty.
1st and 10 from the DEN 47.
WE ARE AT THE END OF THE THIRD QUARTER FROM LA!!!
Edwards on the carry up the middle and picks up 4 yards on the final play of the third quarter.
2nd and 6 from the LA 34.
LA take over from their 22 and Herbert finds Palmer on the out route for a 12 yard gain.
2nd and 6 from the LA 38.
Nix to the right side for Williams who almost had it ripped away by James Jr. but held on to it for a gain of 1.
4th and long and the Broncos will punt with 1:32 to go in the 3rd quarter.
Short pass to Williams in the flat and he takes it for a sort gain of 3 yards.
3rd and 8 from the DEN 32.
Watson is stopped for a loss of one by Ford on first down.
2nd and 11 from the DEN 29.
So a flag for a late hit on Herbert gives the Chargers a first and goal and they get into the end zone for the first time since the first quarter. Edwards punched it in to cut the lead to 5.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!!
Edwards with a run up the middle that he cuts to the left side and walks that into the end zone. LA go for two, but Herbert is stopped short of the goal line on the QB keeper.
DEN lead 24-19 with under 3:00 to go in the third quarter.
Herbert tucks it and runs, but he slid short of the first down before Strand came in and hit him late to give LA a first down.
1st and Goal from the DEN 5.
Short pass to the right side for McCockney who gets 7 yards.
3rd and 13 from the DEN 18.
Tillman came off the edge and dropped Herbert for a loss of 10 yards!
2nd and 20 from the DEN 25.
Herbert rolls to the left side and looks back over the middle for Smartt for a big gain of 19 yards and another first down!
1st and 10 from the DEN 15.
Vidal is stuffed at the line for no gain on first down.
2nd and 10 from he DEN 34.
Herbert with a short pass up the middle for Fisk and he turns up field and picks up 10 yards.
1st and 10 from the DEN 34.
Vidal up the middle and he picks up 2 yards on the first down run.
2nd and 8 from the DEN 44.
Herbert tucks it and breaks a couple of tackles, taking it 18 yards for a first down!
1st and 10 from the DEN 46.
LA get the ball back from their 30 yard line and Herbert finds McConkey on the out route to the rigth side for a gain of 6.
2nd and 4 from the LA 36.
FIELD GOAL!!!
Lutz bangs it home from 41 yards out to stretch the lead back to two possessions.
DEN lead 24-13 with 8:31 to go in the third quarter.
WR screen to Mims who just gets tripped up from behind after a gain of 8.
4th and 3 from the LA 23.
Nix goes deep down the right sideline but that pass sails out of the end zone and into the 12th row.
3rd and 11 from the LA 31.
Estime is wrapped up by Tart for a loss of 1 on the first down play.
2nd and 11 from the LA 31.
The offense stays on the field and Nix finds Sutton with a quick pass to the right side and he gets a couple block for a gain of 5 yards.
1st and 10 from the LA 30.
Short pass to the left side for Adkins and he is dropped a couple yards short of the marker.
4th and 2 from the LA 35.
DEN go to their bag of tricks, trying a flea flicker, but the Chargers had it covered so Nix checks down for Trautman for a gain of 5 yards.
3rd and 7 from the LA 40.
Pitch to the left side for Mims and he fumbled the pitch, but recovered it for a loss of 2 yards.
2nd and 12 from the LA 45.
Easy pass over the middle for Franklin and he turns up field and takes it for a gain of 18.
1st and 10 from the LA 43.
Watson up the middle and he is stopped after a loss of a yard.
3rd and 2 from the DEN 38.
The Broncos get the ball to start the half, and it's Estime picking up where he left off getting a gain of 7 on the run to the left side.
2nd and 3 from the DEN 37.
WE ARE BACK IN SOFI FOR THE SECOND HALF OF ACTION!!!!
So this is it. It's been almost 50 years since we have seen a Fair Catch Kick, but Cameron Dicker makes history and closes the gap to 8 points before the halftime break.
Herbert and the Chargres looked like they might put some points on the board before the half but his pass to the end zone was picked by Kris Abrams-Draine. The Chargers would get a chance to put points on the board in one of the strangest plays you probably haven't seen before in your life before tonight.
After Marvin Mims took a WR screen 55 yards down the left sideline, the Broncos would be set up Nix with a chance to find Devaughn Vele this TD pass as Denver started the game scoring TDs on their first three drives.
Nix and the Broncos would ease back down the field again and score another TD on their second drive. This time the Broncos opened up the passing game a bit and it was the fullback Michael Burton who made the short catch for a TD.
The Chargers answered back after going three and out on their opening drive. Herbert marched his guys down the field and Gus Edwards punched in the TD. He's got 18 yards and Kimani Vidal leads LA with 22 on two rushes.
The Chargers came out grounding and pounding. They ran the ball 7 times on their 10 play opening drive and the first TD was punched in by Audric Estime. The Broncos have 89 yards rushing by comittee. Estime leads all five rushers with 30 yards.
WE ARE HEADING TO THE HALFTIME BREAK WITH THE BRONCOS UP 21-13.
FIELD GOAL!!!
The Chargers line up for a free kick to end the half. That means LA got a field goal chance on what looked more like a kickoff return. Strange loop hole in the rules right there, and he drills the 57 yarder!
LA get some points back at the end of the half after the interception! DEN lead 21-13 at the end of the first half.
The Broncos were going to run the clock out but LA called a timeout and made DEN punt the ball. On the punt, a flag flew for kick catch interference, which is going to give the Chargers the ball in FG range with 0:00 on the clock!
WE ARE HEADING TO HALFTIME FROM LA!!!
DEN is all over the Chargers on this huge game in the AFC Wild Card race.
INTERCEPTION!!!
Herbert takes a shot to the end zone for Palmer, but that is picked off by Abrams-Draine who takes it to the DEN 18!
1st and 10 as the Broncos D comes up with a huge pick before the half.
Herbert on the QB keeper and he moves the chains as the clock winds below 60 seconds.
1s and 10 from the DEN 26.
After review, McConkey was ruled short of the marker, so it's 3rd and inches from the DEN 28.
Herbert to the left side and he turns up field and gets just enough for the first down.
1st and 10 from the DEN 27.
Herbert's pass deep down the right side was nowhere near Palmer.
2nd and 10 from the DEN 37.
Herbert finds McConkey on the deep over route to the left side for a gain of 21 yards!
1st and 10 from the DEN 37.
Herbert finds Haskins over the middle and he gets 5 yards on first down.
2nd and 5 from the LA 42.
LA take the ball back from their 25 and Herbert finds Davis on the right side for a gain of 12 yards to start the drive.
1st and 10 from the LA 37.
Nix looks to Vele on the slant to the left side and that pass is deflected by Leonard and falls incomplete.
4th and 6 from the DEN 41 with 2:40 to go in the half.
Nix over the middle and he finds Sutton for a gain of 12 to make it 3rd and manageable.
3rda and 6 from the DEN 41.
Nix is dropped by Bosa on a bull rush up the middle that leads to a loss of 8.
2nd and 18 from the DEN 29.
DEN get the ball from their 22 and Nix bootlegs to the right side and he tucks it for a 15 yard scramble.
1st and 10 from the DEN 37.
Herbert up the right side for Palmer and that pass was a bit behind him and broken up by Jones. That's Herbert's first incompletion.
4th and 3 from the LA 37 with 5:00 to go in the half.
Herbert for Palmer on the right side and he is pushed out of bounds after a gain of 5.
3rd and 3 from the LA 37.
LA get the ball back from the 30 and Edwards gets the run to the right side for a short gain of 2.
2nd and 8 from the LA 32.
The pass game came to life in the last Denver drive. Nix hit Mims for a 54 yard gain that set up this TD pass for Vele.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!!
Nix finds Vele on the out route to the right side for a 6 yard TD and the Denver is 3/3, and they lead by two scores.
DEN are up 21-10 with 6:22 to go in the half.
Nix on the roll out to the right side and his fast ball to Williams slips through the RB's hands.
2nd and Goal from the LA 6.
Nix finds Mims in the flat on the right side and he turns he corner and sprints down the sidelines for a gain of 54 yards!
1st and Goal from the LA 6.
Nix with a check down for Williams out of the backfield and he races up field for a gain of 11 and a first down!
1st an 10 from the DEN 40.
After a false start on DEN, Nix's pass to Sutton on the slant pattern is tipped at the line and falls incomplete.
3rd and 11 from the DEN 29.
DEN get the ball from the 30 and Nix finds Williams on the right side for a four yard gain.
2nd and 6 from the DEN 34.
Nix and the Broncos offense has been perfect so far. It's all come from the ground game but the rookie QB hit Burton for a Denver's second TD in as many possessions.
FIELD GOAL!!!
Dicker drills the 37 yard field goal after the Chargers are stopped on 3rd and inches.
DEN lead 14-10 with 8:50 to go in the 2nd quarter.
Edwards gets the handoff and he is dropped by Allen for a loss of 2 yards!
4th and 3 from the DEN 19.
Play action and Herbert finds Smartt for a gain of 6 yards before he gets pushed out of bounds.
3rd and 1 from the DEN 17.
Edwards with a run to the left side and he takes it for a gain of 3 yards on first down.
2nd and 7 from the DEN 23.
Herbert finds Smartt with a short pass to the left side for 12 yards and a first down.
1st and 10 from the DEN 26.
Herbert tucks it and slides for a gain of 2 yards.
3rd and 5 from the DEN 38.
Run to the left side for Vidal and he gets 3 yards on the run to the left side.
2nd and 7 from the DEN 40.
LA get the ball from the 30 and Herbert finds McConkey with the crossing route he takes for 27 yards!
1st and 10 from the DEN 43.
TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS!!!
Play action and roll out to the right side and Nix finds Burton with a short pass and the Broncos offense has been perfect so far.
DE lead 14-7 with 12:17 to go in the 1st half.
Short pass to the left side for Mims and he lunges for a gain of yard and a first down.
1st and Goal from the LA 1.
Esitme to the right side and he makes a move around one defender and fights for 9 yards.
2nd and 1 from the LA 2.
Roll out to the right side from Nix and he finds Sutton on an 18 yard pick up and a first down.
1st and 10 from the LA 11.
Nix finds Sutton for the first time tonight, and he makes a sprawling catch for a short gain of 4 yards on the left side.
2nd and 6 from the LA 29.
WE ARE AT THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER HERE FROM LA.
DENVER ARE DRIVING AGAIN IN A 7-7 GAME AFTER 15 MINUTES.
Out route to the left side for Vele and he makes the catch and picks up 15 yards on the final play of the quarter.
1st and 10 from the LA 33.
Nix to the right side for Williams but his pass to the right side is batted down by Williams.
2nd and 10 from the LA 48.
Watson to the right side and he gets 2 yards on the first down run.
1st and 10 from the LA 48.
Estime up the middle and he gets 9 yards on the the first dow run.
2nd and 1 from the 50.
Nix tucks it and pump fakes before running up the middle for a gain of 10 yards!
1st and 10 from the DEN 41.
Pass to the left side for Franklin, but that pass skips off the turf before he could make the catch.
3rd and 9 from the DEN 31.
DEN get the ball back from the 30 and Nix finds Williams in the flat and he is taken down after a short gain of 1.
2nd and 9 from the DEN 31.
After going three and out to start the game, Herbert and the Chargers punch back and build an 8 play drive finished off by Edwards.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!!!
Edwards was hit in the backfield but kept churning and backs his way into the end zone for a 1 yard TD.
It's all tied up at 7-7 with 3:09 left in the first quarter.
Run up the middle and Edwards is cut down a yard short of the goal line.
2nd and Goal from the 1.
Herbert fires a strike for Palmer on the left side and he makes the catch in stride for a gain of 24 and a first down!
1st and Goal from the 3.
Short pass to the left side for Johnston and he is pushed out of bounds after a gain of 6.
3rd and 2 from the DEN 27.
Edwards up the middle and he gets 2 yards on the first down run.
2nd and 8 from the DEN 33.
Vidal finds a hold on the left side and he busts into the secondary for a gain of 19 yards.
1st and 10 from the DEN 35.
Edwards with the carry to the right side and he picks up 6 yards.
2nd and 4 from the LA 46.
LA get the ball back from their 30 and Herbert finds Matlock with a short pass to the right side and he turns up field for a gain of 10 yards.
1st and 10 from the LA 40.
That was a 10 play drive that consisted of 7 runs for 43 yards, the last of which was this TD from the rookie Estime.
TOUCHDOWN DENVER!!!
Estime up the middle and the Broncos are on the board after a perfect start on defense and offense!
DEN lead 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
After a false start on DEN, Nix finds Watson on the screen pass to the right side and he picks up 13 yards before getting popped by Jefferson. A flag flies for a hit to the head and that will give DEN a first down.
1st and Goal from the 3.
Watson to the right side and he explodes for a 7 yards pick up and a first down.
1st and 10 from the LA 14.
Estime to the right side and he picks up three yards on first down.
2nd and 7 from the LA 21.
Play action and bootleg to the right side for Adkins and he turns up field and picks up 13 yards.
1st and 10 from the LA 24.
Williams gets the handoff out of the shotgun and and blasts through a gap for a gain of 15 yards!
1st and 10 from the LA 37.
Nix with his first pas and he finds Burton over the middle for a five yard pick up.
3rd and 2 from the DEN 48.
Pitch to the right side for Mims and he is pushed out of bounds after a pick up of three on 1st down.
2nd and 7 from the DEN 43.
Williams up the middle and he bobs and weaves for a gain of 6 and a first down.
1st and 10 from the DEN 40.
DEN get the ball from their 28 and Estime gets 6 yards on a run to the right side.
2nd and 4 from the DEN 34.
Davis gets the pitch to the left side and the Broncos were ready for that! They drop him for a loss of three and force a three and out to start the game.
4th and 7 from the LA 34.
Herbert finds Edwards out of the backfield with a short pass to the left and he gets 4 before being pushed out of bounds.
3rd and 3 from the LA 37.
LA get the ball from the 30 and Edwards gets four yards on the opening run up the game.
2nd and 6 from the DEN 33.
WE ARE UNDERWAY FROM LOS ANGELES!!!
Denver will kickoff after winning the toss and differing.
Prediction
These two teams are in playoff position because of their defenses. Unfortunately the Chargers defense has been getting exposed over the last few weeks as they play tougher and tougher opponents as the weeks go on. The Broncos are trending in the right direction and I think they are the better team. They are more complete. They have more ways to hurt you and they have gotten better since they lost to the Chargers earlier in the year, where LA has gotten worse. I think the Broncos win in a low scoring, defense struggle.
Broncos 17-13.
AFC Standings heading into Week 16
Taking a look at the AFC standings, we see the Kansas City Chiefs at the top of the conference with a record of 13-1. They have clinched the AFC West for the ninth straight year. That means that these two teams playing tonight will have to settle for a Wild Card spot. The Broncos and the Ravens are currently tied at 9-5 but the Broncos lost to the Ravens earlier this season so Baltimore would get the top Wild Card spot if the season ended today. The Chargers currently have the third and final Wild Card spot, and are trying to fend off the 6-8 Dolphins, 6-8 Bengals and the 6-8 Colts. The Broncos are in the playoffs with a win today, while the Chargers can get into the playoffs with a win and a some help this weekend. If they win and the Dolphins and Colts lose, they are in.
Star watch: Chargers
For the Chargers portion of the star watch, we highlight a star that hasn’t really been playing like a star this season. Herbert teamed up with new coach Jim Harbaugh who is know as a QB coaching savant. While his numbers haven’t been great, he also hasn’t made a whole lot of mistakes. He has 16 TDs and just 2 INTs while throwing for 2,959 yards. Modest, but clean numbers for a QB who saw a lot of his top weapons depart in the offseason. The other thing that Herbert has done this season is stay pretty healthy. In previous seasons he has battled injury after injury and despite playing and fighting through pain that has affected his play and his numbers. Last year he played just 13 games and passed for under 4,000 yards for the first time in his career. That looks like it will happen again this year, but if the Charger can make the playoffs, we know that he can turn it on at any point and with a defense like LA’s that could be trouble for teams in the postseason.
Season recap: Chargers
Jim Harbaugh’s first year in LA has had it’s peaks and valleys but one thing has remained a constant for most of the year. The Chargers defense. They didn’t give up more than 20 points in their first 10 games of the season and in that time they went 7-3. Aside from their win over the Chargers, they really hadn’t beat a good, over .500 team. They have had a tough stretch of games over the last month, and have gone 1-3 in their last four games beating the Falcons but losing against the Ravens, Chiefs and then the Bucs last week. They are in great position to get a playoff spot, but the way they are playing should concern Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers fans.
Season recap: Broncos
After a disastrous season last year, the Broncos and Sean Payton got rid of Russell Wilson and drafted rookie QB Bo Nix to be their face of the future. Expectations were realistic, and no one really though this team would be in this position already. Denver lost their first two games as Bo Nix looked like a rookie QB who wasn’t quite ready for the speed of the game. They would win five of their next six games, only losing to this Chargers team during that stretch and Nix looked like he was starting to find his groove. A couple of tough games against the Chiefs and Ravens gave them a bit of a reality dose but they would bounce back and win their next four games against the Falcons, Raiders, Browns and Colts to find themself in the drivers seat for a playoff spot in the AFC.
Last game: Chargers
The Chargers locked horns with another team in the chase for the playoffs, but only one team showed up and played like a playoff team. It wasn’t the Chargers. LA actually led in the first half, after the defense picked off Baker Mayfield and Justin Herbert connected with Quinton Johnston on the second of his two TD passes, but the LA offense would shut down after that. Baker and the Bucs switch on in the second half and scored 27 unanswered points to win 40-17. Herbert ended the game 21/33 with 195 yards and 2 TDs with 1 INT, but it wasn’t enough for the Chargers who are still waiting for their offense to turn on before they face a do or die situation in the playoffs, or before that.
Star Watch: Broncos
The defense is the star of the show for the Broncos, but in this part of the preview we would be remiss if we did highlight Bo Nix in the star watch section. Nix put himself in contention and is a real candidate for the rookie of the year after a fantastic stretch in which he had stretch of games in which he threw 16 TDs and just two INTs. It was a rough start to the season, as the rookie threw zero TDs and four picks in the first two weeks of the season, but Sean Payton took the first year QB under wing and has turned him into a fantastic quarterback that is leading his team to the playoffs in his first year. Nix has 2,972 yards, 20 TDs and 11 INTs, and while his passing stats are impressive it’s his legs that many teams don’t account for. He has 327 yards rushing and 4 TDs and has shown he can change the game by scrambling and stretching a defense out. He may or may not win ROTY, but he will be more than happy getting his team to the playoffs in his first year.
Last game: Broncos
The Broncos came off of their Week 14 BYE and looked a little sluggish in the first half of their game against the Colts. They went down 10-0 early in the second quarter and rookie Bo Nix was far from perfect, throwing three interceptions, but like they have done so often this year, the Denver defense bailed them out. They turned the Colts over five times, and none of those turnovers were bigger than the pick six that Nick Bonitto took to the house on a disastrous trick play for Indianapolis. Denver scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and won the game 31-13 to improve to 9-5.
We are live from Sofi Stadium
Hello everyone and welcome to Los Angeles where the Chargers are in good position to get a Wild Card but they can be in much better shape with a win tonight. While they might be in playoff position they have hit a bit of a rut, losing three of their last four games and their one time top rated defense is no longer looking as dominant as it did a month and a half ago. The Broncos on the other hand have bounced back from a two game losing skid to the Chiefs and the Ravens with a four game losing streak including a big win over the Colts last week. These two teams will most likely be in the post season no matter the outcome of this game, but Broncos and Chargers will be hoping to get the best possible Wild Card seed, and that starts with tonight’s big divisional match up.
Broncos vs. Chargers live
A couple AFC West currently occupying two of the three Wild Card spots in the conference go toe-to-toe tonight and the winner will most likely be guaranteed a place in the postseason. It’s the Denver Broncos taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in a Thrusday night divisional match up with massive implications and AS English will be with you all night providing live coverage, stats, highlights and analysis of tonight’s game from Sofi Stadium.