Broncos vs. Chargers Recap: Herbert Leads Comeback Victory on TNF

The win improved the Chargers to 9-6, putting them on the brink of securing a playoff berth.

Broncos vs. Chargers Betting Odds Recap

The Chargers covered the spread with their seven-point victory, while the total went comfortably over the set line of 41.5.

The Broncos will need to bounce back quickly with tough matchups ahead, while the Chargers look to carry this momentum into their Week 17 clash against New England.

Thursday Night Football Game Recap

First Half: Broncos Dominate Early The Broncos (9-6) came out firing, scoring on their first three drives to jump out to a 21-10 lead. Bo Nix connected on two touchdown passes, and Audric Estime added a rushing score. Denver’s offence looked unstoppable, racking up 229 yards in the first half.

The Chargers managed to keep themselves in the game with a first-quarter touchdown from Gus Edwards and a 57-yard fair-catch kick by Cameron Dicker as time expired in the first half. The rare kick—last successfully executed in 1976—pulled Los Angeles within 21-13 heading into halftime.

Second Half: The Chargers’ defence flipped the script in the second half, holding Denver to just 107 total yards after the break. Justin Herbert, who threw for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns, engineered the comeback with two key scoring drives.

Fourth Quarter Go-Ahead Touchdown: Herbert connected with Derius Davis on a 19-yard touchdown to give Los Angeles its first lead at 27-24.

Hassan Haskins’ 34-Yard Score: Herbert sealed the game with a deep strike to Haskins, extending the Chargers’ lead to 34-24 late in the fourth. Denver’s Wil Lutz hit a 55-yard field goal to bring the Broncos within seven points, but an onside kick recovery by the Chargers clinched the win.

Playoff Implications

The Chargers now hold a 97% chance of making the playoffs, needing losses by the Colts and Dolphins this weekend to clinch a spot. The Broncos, on the other hand, missed a chance to secure their first postseason berth since 2015. Despite the loss, Denver’s playoff odds remain at 85%, but their upcoming games against Cincinnati and Kansas City pose significant challenges.