The Denver Broncos didn’t need offensive fireworks on Sunday night. A suffocating defense, clean football, and a perfect night from Wil Lutz were more than enough to put away the Los Angeles Chargers 19-3 at Empower Field at Mile High — a win that clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
With Justin Herbert inactive for the regular-season finale, the Chargers turned to Trey Lance under center, but Denver’s defense set the tone immediately. Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian delivered the game’s biggest swing in the first quarter, snagging a deflected pass and racing 45 yards for a pick-six to push the Broncos out front and ignite the stadium.
From there, the Broncos controlled the night with discipline and pressure. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto helped fuel the turnover battle with a strip-sack, and Denver finished plus-2 in takeaways while avoiding any offensive giveaways — the exact formula Sean Payton’s team wanted heading into January.
The Chargers’ only points came on a late Cameron Dicker field goal just before halftime, but they never seriously threatened after the break. Meanwhile, Lutz kept stacking points with four made field goals, ensuring Denver’s steady march never stalled.
The result: a 14-3 finish and the AFC’s top spot secured. Now, the road to the Super Bowl runs through Denver.
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