Broncos Lock Top AFC Seed Beating Chargers 19-3/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Denver Broncos claimed the AFC’s No. 1 seed after defeating the Chargers 19-3. Ja’Quan McMillian returned an interception for a touchdown, and Wil Lutz hit four field goals. The win ensures a first-round playoff bye and Denver’s first home playoff game in a decade.
Broncos Top AFC, Chargers Fall Short — Quick Looks
- Broncos earn No. 1 AFC playoff seed with 19-3 win
- McMillian scores on 45-yard pick-six after practice error
- Broncos defense limits Chargers to one field goal
- Wil Lutz perfect on four field goal attempts
- Bo Nix throws for 141 yards in low-key performance
- Denver finishes 14-3, tying franchise wins record
- Chargers rest starters, prep for wild-card at New England
- Broncos set franchise sack record, lead NFL with 68
- Keenan Allen earns $1 million in contract incentives
- Chargers suffer multiple injuries ahead of playoff opener
Broncos Lock Top AFC Seed Beating Chargers 19-3
Deep Look
DENVER — The Denver Broncos capped off a remarkable regular season with a 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, locking up the AFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye for the first time since 2015.
The Broncos (14-3) were led by a relentless defense and a pivotal first-quarter pick-six by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, who turned a tipped ball into a 45-yard touchdown return. The play was a full-circle moment for McMillian, who admitted he botched the same defensive call during practice earlier in the week.
“We ran it in practice, and I messed it up,” McMillian said. “Coach VJ gave me the correction, and when they ran the same play again, I was ready. It tipped, I grabbed it, and took it to the house.”
McMillian’s touchdown helped spark a defensive showcase in which Denver held the Chargers to just three points, forced two turnovers, and recorded four sacks. Los Angeles (11-6), already locked into a playoff spot, treated the game as a tune-up, resting key starters including quarterback Justin Herbert, safety Derwin James, and linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu.
The win not only tied the Broncos’ franchise record for regular season victories but also gave Denver home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. They will be off next week and return to action in the divisional round, possibly facing the Chargers again depending on wild-card results.
Broncos Defense Dominates
Denver’s defense ended the season on a high note, finishing with an NFL-best 68 sacks — setting a new team record and coming just four short of the all-time league mark set by the 1984 Bears. None was more impactful than Nik Bonitto’s strip sack in the fourth quarter, which halted a potential Chargers comeback drive deep in their own territory.
Despite an underwhelming offensive performance from quarterback Bo Nix — who completed the game with just 141 passing yards — Denver’s defense and special teams carried the day. Wil Lutz nailed all four of his field goal attempts, providing steady points in a game with few offensive fireworks.
“We’ve had a lot of close, tough games this year,” said Nix, who matched Russell Wilson’s record of 24 wins in his first two seasons. “They may not be pretty, but we’ve found ways to win — and that’s what matters now.”
Chargers Look Ahead, Allen Cashes In
With no opportunity to claim the AFC West crown, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh took a conservative approach, treating Week 18 as a mini-bye. Backup quarterback Trey Lance started in place of Herbert and struggled early. His fourth pass was tipped off receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s hands into the arms of McMillian, resulting in the game’s only touchdown.
Lambert-Smith later exited with a hamstring injury, one of three Chargers to leave the game. Cornerback Donte Jackson (ankle) and safety Kendall Williamson (ankle) also suffered injuries, potentially thinning Los Angeles’ depth heading into the postseason.
Still, the game had personal significance for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who caught seven passes for 36 yards to trigger $1 million in contract incentives. He needed six catches and nine yards to unlock separate bonuses, reaching both marks by the third quarter.
“I’ll definitely thank Greg Roman for the screens,” Allen joked, crediting the offensive coordinator for calling early plays to help him reach his targets. “Trey helped too — maybe I’ll buy him a dinner or something.”
Broncos Prepare for First Playoff Game in Ten Years
After years of underachievement, Denver’s resurgence under head coach Sean Payton has brought playoff football back to the Mile High City. With a top-ranked pass rush and a veteran-laden defense, the Broncos will now enjoy a week of rest and preparation.
“This is where it gets real,” said cornerback Riley Moss. “Win or go home. And we’ll be ready to roll.”
Courtland Sutton, who was held to one catch for five yards, didn’t mind the lack of flash in the win. “I don’t care if it’s 3-2 — a win is a win,” Sutton said. “We’ve seen darker days, and this team has earned every bit of this.”
Denver’s last top-seed playoff run ended in a Super Bowl championship a decade ago. With a rested roster and a defense built to win in January, the Broncos hope to repeat history.
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