Broncos Clinch AFC’s Top Seed with Dominant Win over Chargers.

The Denver Broncos locked up the top seed in the AFC playoffs with a 19–3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in Denver. A 45-yard interception return for a touchdown by Ja’Quan McMillian and four successful field goals by Wil Lutz powered the Broncos to the win and a first-round playoff bye. Denver finished the regular season 14–3, tying a franchise record for wins and earning its first No. 1 playoff seed since 2015, a season that ended with a Super Bowl championship. The Broncos will rest during the wild-card round before hosting their first playoff game in ten years. Although quarterback Bo Nix struggled statistically, throwing for just 141 yards, he still matched Russell Wilson’s franchise record of 24 wins over his first two NFL seasons. Denver relied heavily on its defense, which recorded four sacks and limited Los Angeles to only three points. The Chargers, already locked into a wild-card spot, rested several key starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert. Trey Lance started at quarterback and completed 20 of 44 passes for 136 yards. His early interception set up McMillian’s touchdown, giving Denver a 10–0 lead in the first quarter. Los Angeles managed only one score, a 30-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker just before halftime. Denver extended its lead in the fourth quarter following a strip-sack by Nik Bonitto, which led to another Lutz field goal. The Broncos finished the season with 68 total sacks, the most in franchise history and the highest total in the NFL this year.

Despite the loss, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen reached contract incentives worth $1 million after catching seven passes. The game was also notable for unusually warm weather, as the kickoff temperature of 69 degrees set a new record for Denver. The Chargers will travel to New England to face the Patriots in the wild-card round, while the Broncos await their next opponent following the bye.