LA Chargers 34, Denver Broncos 27
So the Chargers managed to pull things together enough to win the big divisional showdown against the Broncos last night. If they could win, they would assume second place in the AFC West once again. But if Denver managed to pull it off, they would clinch a playoff spot. In the process, the Chargers suddenly would look decidedly shaky, and what once seemed to be a sure bet for the playoffs would now be in some real doubt, if they lost their fourth in five games here.
It sure looked like Denver was well on their way to a win and, along with that, the playoffs. They led 24-13 at one point in the third quarter.
To their credit, however, the Bolts battled back. First, they got a touchdown late in the third quarter to cut it to 24-19. Then they scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first to take the lead and then to almost ice the win. Indeed, the Broncos were never very seriously in the game again after allowing that final Chargers touchdown.
All season long, the Chargers had looked like the second best team in the AFC West, behind the Kansas City Chiefs. But three losses in a span of four games entering into this one, and the Broncos coming in having won four straight, meant that Denver had leapfrogged past the Bolts into sole possession of second place in the AFC West. They even had a chance to clinch a playoff berth outright with a win.
Justin Herbert had himself a solid day, completing 23 of 31 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns, although he also had one interception. He added 28 yards on eight carries, as well. But the Chargers saw their running game powered mostly by running back Gus Edwards, who earned 68 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Bo Nix played quite well for Denver in what was ultimately a losing cause. He completed 29 of 40 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Nix added an additional 29 yards on three carries. All very respectable numbers for him. It seems like the Broncos might finally have settled the quarterback question that has plagued them since that Super Bowl win with Peyton Manning nearly one full decade ago now. Also, Audric Estime gained 48 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
This win improved the Chargers to 9-6 on the season, including a 3-2 record in the AFC West, with their only two losses both being against the Chiefs. That is a large part of the reason for their turnaround from last year to this year. Last season, the Chargers finished with a dismal 1-5 record against AFC West opponents.
Now, all the Chargers have to do to clinch a playoff spot is win one more game. If they win any of their next three games, they will qualify for the postseason.
As for Denver, this was a step back. They likely will finish in third place within the division. Yet even for them, their 9-6 record, identical to the Chargers also places them in a favorable position to qualify for the postseason.
My pick: Accurate
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