Final: Broncos 19, Chargers 3

By The Denver Gazette Sports staff January 4, 2026 | updated 6 months ago

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up before the Broncos game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

The Broncos (13-3) face off with the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday in the regular-season finale at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is set for 2:25 p.m. and will be televised by CBS.

Fourth quarter

Another Lutz field goal extends the lead to 16. Broncos will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, barring something crazy

Lutz hits another field goal and extends the Broncos’ lead to 13

Bonitto hits Lance on the first play of the drive and forces a fumble. Denver in business

Denver punts again after failing to get a 3rd and short

Broncos begin fourth quarter with the ball

Third quarter

End of third quarter: Broncos 13, Chargers 3

Denver goes three-and-out after the good punt return

Marvin Mims with a good 34-yard punt return. Denver scores a touchdown; this game is probably over

Denver offense gets a little going and gets down to the 8-yard line before stalling. Lutz with another field goal

Broncos defense begins the second half with a three-and-out as well. Offense needs to find something soon

Denver offense goes three-and-out and the crowd is restless

Broncos begin the second half with the ball

Second quarter

Chargers get on the board with a short field goal by Cameron Dicker

Garett Bolles questionable to return with ankle and safety P.J. Locke questionable with leg injury for Broncos.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 4, 2026

Denver not taking any chances on offense and will punt again. Real concern is the injury to left tackle Garrett Bolles

Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen sacked Trey Lance and the Broncos force another punt

Broncos offense is not doing much right now. One first down and another punt

Denver stops Los Angeles and the Chargers will punt again

Chargers begin the second quarter facing a 3rd and short

First quarter

End of first quarter: Broncos 10, Chargers 0

Nothing going for the Broncos and they go three-and-out

Another three-and-out for the Chargers

The Broncos get a turnover and turn it into a touchdown. Ja’Quan McMillian with the pick-six to put Denver up 10-0

Pick six in the throwbacks >>>@Island2_1 | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/2miF2x8iZp
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 4, 2026

Denver’s drive stalls inside the 10 but Wil Lutz hits a 24-yard field goal to give the Broncos a 3-0 lead

Broncos force a three-and-out on the Chargers’ first drive

Chargers win the toss and will receive. Denver defense on the field first

Pregame reading

Ready to go 😤#LACvsDEN pic.twitter.com/t7aEMxvEUW
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 4, 2026

The Denver Gazette Sports staff

Reporter