Broncos Survive Chargers, Lock Up AFC No. 1 Seed
Jan 4, 2026, 5:32 PM
It wasn’t pretty — but it was historic.
In a game dominated by field goals, the Denver Broncos held on to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 19–3 at Broncos Stadium, clinching the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye.
Denver faced an undermanned Chargers squad that rested most of its starters in preparation for Wild Card Weekend. Still, the Broncos took care of business, leaning on defense and special teams to get the job done.
Bo Nix led the team in rushing with 50 yards, but the biggest moment of the afternoon came from the defense. Denver scored its first defensive touchdown of the season when Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted a tipped Trey Lance pass and returned it for a touchdown — the only touchdown of the game.
The rest of Denver’s scoring came courtesy of Will Lutz, who was perfect on the day, drilling four field goals to account for the Broncos’ remaining points.
With the win, Denver secures a first-round bye and will host a playoff game against the lowest remaining seed following Wild Card Weekend. It marks the Broncos’ first postseason home game since the 2015–16 AFC Championship season, a long-awaited return to meaningful January football at Mile High.
