Los Angeles, January 5, 2026
In a commanding performance, the Denver Broncos secured the AFC’s top playoff seed with a 19-3 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The game featured Ja’Quan McMillian’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown and four field goals by Wil Lutz. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Broncos, who will enjoy a bye week before their first playoff game in a decade. Meanwhile, the Chargers, plagued by injuries, prepare to face the New England Patriots in the wild-card round.
Denver Broncos Clinch AFC’s Top Seed With Commanding Win Over Chargers
Los Angeles, California – On January 4, 2026, the Denver Broncos secured the AFC’s top playoff seed with a commanding 19-3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. This match showcased the Broncos’ defensive prowess, highlighted by Ja’Quan McMillian’s electrifying 45-yard interception return for a touchdown and four successful field goals from Wil Lutz, thereby capping off a noteworthy season.
The Broncos’ performance not only reflects their strategic acumen on the field but also underscores the importance of strong leadership and teamwork. As Los Angeles continues to cultivate a thriving community of entrepreneurs and innovators, the need for resilience and dedication is equally pivotal both in sports and local business landscapes.
Key Highlights of the Game
- First Quarter: Wil Lutz initiated the scoring with a 24-yard field goal, concluding a lengthy 15-play, 81-yard drive that took nearly nine minutes off the clock. Shortly after, Ja’Quan McMillian’s interception returned 45 yards for a touchdown set a solid 10-0 lead for the Broncos.
- Second Quarter: The Chargers countered with a 30-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker, bringing the score to 10-3 at halftime.
- Third Quarter: Wil Lutz added another field goal, pushing the Broncos’ advantage to 13-3.
- Fourth Quarter: Following a strip-sack from Nik Bonitto, Lutz concluded the scoring with a pair of successful field goals, solidifying the final score at 19-3.
Team Performance Breakdown
Denver Broncos: Quarterback Bo Nix recorded 141 passing yards and tied Russell Wilson’s record for 24 wins within his first two NFL seasons. The Broncos’ defense stood out with four sacks and limited the Chargers to just three points, showcasing a robust defensive strategy.
Los Angeles Chargers: Facing an uphill battle without key starters—including quarterback Justin Herbert and safety Derwin James—the Chargers put rookie quarterback Trey Lance at the helm for his sixth career start. Lance completed 20 of 44 passes for a modest 136 yards, while veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen notably secured seven receptions for 36 yards, netting him a $1 million contract incentive.
Playoff Implications
The Broncos’ win not only secured their first No. 1 playoff seed since 2015 but also matched a franchise record with 14 victories in a season. The team enjoys a well-deserved bye week before gearing up to host their first playoff game in a decade. Meanwhile, the Chargers, wrapping up their regular season at 11-6, are set to meet the New England Patriots in the wild-card round with a chance for playoff redemption.
The Historical Context
This game added another chapter to the historic Broncos-Chargers rivalry, which began in 1960. Currently, the Broncos lead the all-time series 74–58–1, emphasizing a competitive spirit that both teams strive to uphold.
Injury Report and Weather Conditions
The Chargers were notably affected by injuries, with running back Omarion Hampton sidelined due to an ankle issue and left tackle Jamaree Salyer out with a hamstring injury. Fortuitously, the game was played under unusual warmth for Denver, with a kickoff temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a record for the warmest game in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the final score of the Broncos vs. Chargers game on January 4, 2026?
The Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 19-3.
2. Who scored the touchdown for the Broncos in the game?
Ja’Quan McMillian scored a 45-yard interception return touchdown for the Broncos.
3. How many field goals did Wil Lutz make in the game?
Wil Lutz successfully kicked four field goals during the game.
4. Who was the starting quarterback for the Chargers in this game?
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance made his sixth career start for the Chargers in this game.
5. What is the Broncos’ playoff seed after this victory?
The Broncos secured the AFC’s top playoff seed with this victory.
6. Who will the Chargers play in the wild-card round?
The Chargers will face the New England Patriots in the wild-card round next weekend.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Broncos 19, Chargers 3 |
| Key Player | Ja’Quan McMillian (45-yard interception return touchdown) |
| Field Goals | Wil Lutz (4 successful field goals) |
| Chargers’ Quarterback | Trey Lance (6th career start) |
| Playoff Implications | Broncos secure AFC’s top seed; Chargers to face Patriots in wild-card round |
| Rivalry Record | Broncos lead series 74–58–1 |
| Injuries | Chargers’ RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) and LT Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) inactive |
| Weather | Kickoff temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit (record warmest game in Denver) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
