Final Score

Denver Broncos 19
Los Angeles Chargers 3
(Played January 4, 2026 at Empower Field at Mile High)

Ja’Quan McMillian returned an interception 45 yards for the only touchdown of the day, Wil Lutz kicked four field goals and the host Denver Broncos secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a grinding 19-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

It is the first time in 10 years that Denver (14-3) has clinched home-field advantage in the AFC. The Broncos went on to win Super Bowl 50 in that 2015 season in Santa Clara, Calif., which is the site of this year’s game. They will have a week off before hosting a playoff game.

Los Angeles (11-6) rested several players, including quarterback Justin Herbert and safety Derwin James, while Omarion Hampton (ankle) was inactive. The Chargers are the seventh seed and will travel to No. 2 New England (14-3) next weekend for the first round of the playoffs.

Perhaps the Chargers offense did not want to show too much to the Broncos as the two teams could face each other again soon if the Bolts beat the Patriots next week in New England. However, the Chargers backup QB Trey Lance was clearly off all day with many passes way over thrown (air-mailed).

Game Summary

🔹 Broncos Take Control Early

• Denver jumped out to an early 10–0 lead, capped by a Ja’Quan McMillian interception returned 45 yards for a touchdown — the only TD of the game.
• Broncos kicker Wil Lutz added four field goals, providing the rest of Denver’s offense output.

🔹 Chargers Without Herbert

• The Chargers rested key starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, preparing for the postseason.
• Trey Lance started at QB, finishing with 136 passing yards, one interception, and 69 rushing yards.
• Keenan Allen led LA’s receiving corps with 7 catches for 36 yards.

🔹 Broncos Defense Dominates

• Denver’s defense was the story: 4 sacks on Trey Lance and relentless pressure throughout the night.
• The unit finished the regular season with a franchise-record 68 sacks — the most in the NFL this year.

🔹 Key Injuries During Game

• Broncos players Garett Bolles (ankle) and P.J. Locke (leg) exited with injuries and were questionable to return.

Takeaway

• Denver dominated with defense and timely kicking, turning a defensive touchdown and consistent field goals into a comfortable victory.
• The Chargers’ offense, without its starters, could not get it going, setting up a pivotal playoff matchup next week.
• The Chargers defense did not allow a TD in this game.

Just an incredible strip sack by Nik Bonitto pic.twitter.com/SoegrqHeee

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 4, 2026

Once we get to the offseason, Marlowe Wax is one of the more interesting players to watch for in '26.

Chargers LBs under contract-Henley, Dye, Wax + Colson. Wide open depending on what happens with Denzel Perryman.pic.twitter.com/gah5udrwlK

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) January 5, 2026

unc on the mic is too good pic.twitter.com/YFASN0yIu8

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 6, 2026