Instant Reaction: Broncos Hold Off Chargers, Clinch AFC West

Denver had control of this game early, but failed to punch the ball into the endzone as they took a 9-0 lead in the second quarter. San Diego added a field goal before halftime, but the Broncos score the game's first touchdown in the third quarter to take a comfortable 16-3 lead. The Chargers answered to cut the lead to 16-10, but the Broncos' defense took over from that point on as Denver held on for the win.

Turning Point:

San Diego seemed to have knocked Denver out of field goal range late in the fourth quarter, which they needed to do since they were trailing 16-10. However, Peyton Manning completed a 13 yard pass to wideout Demaryius Thomas on a 3rd-and-20 to get back into field goal range. Connor Barth drilled the 49-yard kick to make it a two possession game, essentially sealing the victory for the Broncos.

Key Stat:

Denver's defense held San Diego to just 288 total yards - including just 56 rushing - on the game, which shows how nonexplosive the Chargers were in this one.

Denver MVP:

Demaryius Thomas was Manning's favorite target again today as he caught six passes for 123 yards and the Broncos' only touchdown.

San Diego MVP:

Quarterback Philip Rivers did all he could to carry the Chargers in this one, but it just wasn't enough. He finished with 232 yards passing and a touchdown, but did throw two interceptions late that sealed San Diego's fate. Unfortunately for San Diego, he was the only productive offensive player in the game.

What’s Next?

Denver will face the Bengals in Cincinnati on Monday Night Football next week, while San Diego travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers on Saturday night.