The Denver Broncos secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs with a 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in their final regular-season game. The win means that the path to Super Bowl LX will go through Denver, as the team will now receive a first-round bye and host a divisional round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver’s defense played a key role in the outcome, limiting the Chargers to just three points and forcing two turnovers. Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian made a significant impact early in the game with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown. “With the Broncos already leading 3-0, Trey Lance’s third-down pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith ricocheted into the air, and McMillian snagged the ball and raced the other direction. McMillian’s 45-yard pick six was the Broncos’ first defensive touchdown of the season and their first defensive score since a Week 15 win last year against the Colts.”
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto contributed by sacking Chargers quarterback Trey Lance and forcing a fumble that was recovered by rookie Sai’vion Jones. “Bonitto helped notch the Broncos’ second takeaway of the game as he burst around the left side of the Chargers’ offensive line and got to Lance. Bonitto forced the fumble, which was recovered by rookie Sai’vion Jones.” Bonitto finished with 1.5 sacks, setting a new single-season high for himself.
Quarterback Bo Nix achieved his highest rushing total of this season while also breaking Denver’s franchise record for wins by a starting quarterback in one season. Kicker Wil Lutz converted four field goals during Sunday’s matchup, marking his second-highest number of successful kicks in one game this year.
Inside linebacker Justin Strnad recorded his fourth-and-a-half sack of this season—a personal best—and added a pass breakup.
Denver’s plus-2 turnover margin matched its best performance from earlier in Week 3 this season. “The Broncos spoke this week about the importance of getting more takeaways and winning the turnover battle as they look ahead to making a postseason run. They showed signs of that potential on Sunday, as they earned a plus-2 edge in the takeaway battle.”
With this win, Denver ties its single-season franchise record for victories and looks ahead to hosting their next playoff opponent at home.
