The much-anticipated Denver Broncos vs Chargers Match Player Stats game took place on October 13, 2024, at Empower Field at Mile High. The game ended with the Los Angeles Chargers securing a 23–16 victory over the Broncos. The Chargers took control early with a 23–0 lead before the Broncos responded in the fourth quarter with a strong, but too-late, comeback. The match had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought hard in a game that had clear implications for the AFC West standings.
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A big moment came when Broncos’ star cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited the game due to a concussion just seconds into the first quarter. This heavily impacted Denver’s defensive capabilities. On the other side, Justin Herbert remained consistent and led his team with a smart and efficient performance. Though the Broncos tried to respond with their rookie QB Bo Nix, early mistakes cost them the chance to take full control. This game was not just about scoring—it was about key moments, momentum shifts, and managing pressure on both sides.
| Category | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 16 | 23 |
| Top QB | Bo Nix: 216 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT | Justin Herbert: 237 YDS, 1 TD |
| Top Rusher | Bo Nix: 61 YDS | J.K. Dobbins: 96 YDS, 1 TD |
| Top Receiver | Devaughn Vele: 78 YDS | Simi Fehoko: 44 YDS |
| Notable Injury | Patrick Surtain II (Concussion) | None |
Quarterback Performance Comparison
The quarterback showdown in the Denver Broncos vs Chargers match provided a sharp contrast in styles and execution. On the Chargers’ side, Justin Herbert delivered a controlled and intelligent performance. He threw for 237 yards, completing 21 of his 34 pass attempts, and added a touchdown without turning the ball over. His calm presence in the pocket and ability to read Denver’s weakened secondary helped him manage the game and maintain offensive balance. Herbert’s efficient throws, especially on key third downs, allowed the Chargers to build and hold onto a commanding lead. His passer rating of 92.4 reflected his consistent play throughout the four quarters.
In comparison, Bo Nix, the rookie quarterback for the Broncos, had a more turbulent game. He completed 19 of 33 passes for 216 yards, threw two touchdowns, and had one costly interception. Despite the early struggles and pressure from the Chargers’ defensive front, Nix showed resilience, especially in the final quarter where he led two scoring drives. What made his performance notable was not just his passing but also his mobility—he rushed for 61 yards, becoming Denver’s top rusher in the game. While his decision-making early on was shaky, his ability to bounce back under pressure hints at a promising future if given the right protection and support.
Rushing Leaders and Ground Game Analysis
The ground game played a crucial role in the match player stats for both teams, though with very different styles. For the Los Angeles Chargers, J.K. Dobbins led the rushing attack with 25 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. He consistently gained tough yards up the middle and helped drain the clock, especially in the second half. His physical style wore down the Broncos’ front line and added a steady rhythm to the Chargers’ offense. The team as a whole rushed for 128 yards on 38 carries, showcasing a commitment to the run and an ability to control time of possession.
On the Broncos’ side, surprisingly, their quarterback Bo Nix led all rushers with 61 yards on just 6 carries. His ability to escape the pocket and extend plays with his legs helped Denver gain yards when their run game struggled. Javonte Williams, their primary running back, had just 23 yards, and the offensive line failed to open up consistent lanes. The lack of a dominant run game put more pressure on Nix to create plays himself. While Nix’s rushing stats were impressive for a QB, it also pointed to deeper issues in Denver’s offensive line and running scheme.
Receiving Standouts and Aerial Attack
The receiving stats from the Broncos vs Chargers matchup reflect a mix of explosive plays and balanced distribution. For the Chargers, multiple players contributed in key moments, with Simi Fehoko leading the team with 44 yards on just 2 catches, showing his deep threat capability. Ladd McConkey and Kimani Vidal added solid support, with Vidal catching a 40-yard touchdown that turned out to be the game’s highlight catch. This spread of receivers kept Denver’s defense guessing, and though no player had huge numbers, the collective effort was enough to move the chains and score efficiently.
Denver’s receivers had a more dramatic performance. Devaughn Vele was the standout, hauling in 4 receptions for 78 yards, showing great route running and strong hands. Courtland Sutton added a touchdown with 53 yards, while Troy Franklin chipped in another score with his 31 receiving yards. These plays mostly came during the fourth-quarter surge when Bo Nix was forced to air it out. The Broncos’ passing game looked sharper late, but the lack of early rhythm prevented these receivers from making a bigger impact when it mattered most.
Defensive Highlights and Key Contributors
The defenses in the Denver Broncos vs Chargers player stats tell a deeper story beyond the scoreboard. For the Chargers, their front seven disrupted Denver’s offense from the opening drive. Khalil Mack played a pivotal role, recording tackles, a quarterback hit, and even an interception. His presence on the edge collapsed the pocket and forced Bo Nix to move. Morgan Fox added a sack and pressured the quarterback throughout the game, helping limit Denver’s early progress. Safety Alohi Gilman led the team with 6 solo tackles, keeping plays in front and securing tackles in open space.
On the Broncos’ side, the defense struggled early, especially after the sudden loss of Patrick Surtain II, who left due to a concussion on the first defensive snap. His absence left Denver’s secondary vulnerable, and the Chargers quickly capitalized. Brandon Jones tried to hold the backfield together, finishing with 11 solo tackles, but the damage was already done in the first half. Defensive lineman Zach Allen stood out with a sack and multiple pressures, while Jonathon Cooper also contributed with solid backfield disruption. However, the lack of turnovers and blown coverage assignments cost them early momentum and eventually the game.
Team Statistics and Comparative Analysis
A closer look at team stats reveals how the Broncos vs Chargers match player stats translated into the final score. The Chargers had the edge in total yards with 365, compared to Denver’s 326. More importantly, they dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 35 minutes. This control was thanks to a balanced attack and smart third-down play calls. The Chargers converted more third downs and avoided costly penalties, showing a disciplined approach on both sides of the ball. Their red zone efficiency was also slightly higher, converting drives into touchdowns instead of settling for field goals.
On the flip side, Denver’s numbers improved significantly in the fourth quarter, but the early deficit hurt them. They committed more penalties, had a turnover margin of -1, and were less efficient on third downs. While their total offensive yardage wasn’t far off from the Chargers, the timing of their successful drives was too late. Statistically, they had similar passing yardage, but the difference came from early execution and defensive stops. The Broncos simply started too slow and couldn’t recover despite a strong finish. The stats reflect a game where the Chargers did the little things right throughout.
Player Grades and Performance Ratings
Analyzing individual performance, Pro Football Focus or fantasy platforms would grade players based on execution, consistency, and impact. Justin Herbert likely earned a B+ or A-, given his clean game with no turnovers and good accuracy under pressure. His leadership and ability to convert third downs played a big part in the win. J.K. Dobbins would also rate highly—possibly an A—for controlling the run game and finishing with a touchdown. Defensively, Khalil Mack and Alohi Gilman likely rated among the highest for their big plays and consistent tackling.
For Denver, Bo Nix might receive a B grade, factoring in his late-game success and overall mobility, even though he threw an interception. Devaughn Vele and Courtland Sutton would be in the B to B+ range for their contributions and receiving touchdowns. On defense, Brandon Jones probably had the highest grade with his 11 tackles, and Zach Allen with a sack adds to his solid defensive performance. Still, the grades reflect a team that played better in the second half but couldn’t overcome early struggles and key player absences.
Historical Context and Rivalry Overview
The Denver Broncos vs Chargers rivalry goes back decades and is one of the more competitive series in the AFC West. Historically, the Broncos have held a slight edge in head-to-head matchups, especially during their dominant 1990s and Peyton Manning eras. However, in recent years, the Chargers have been closing the gap, particularly with the emergence of Justin Herbert. Every game between these two teams carries weight, not just for bragging rights, but for potential playoff consequences. Fans of both franchises circle this matchup on their calendars every season.
Memorable games in this rivalry include the 2012 showdown where Peyton Manning led a massive comeback and the more recent 2022 overtime battle that ended in a Chargers win. These matchups are usually unpredictable, physical, and packed with energy from the opening kickoff. The 2024 edition was no different, reminding fans why this game remains a must-watch every season. With young quarterbacks like Nix and Herbert leading the future, this rivalry looks set to deliver more drama in the years to come.
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1. Who was the best player in the Broncos vs Chargers match?
J.K. Dobbins stood out with his rushing game for the Chargers, while Bo Nix led the Broncos with two touchdown passes.
2. What was the final score of the Broncos vs Chargers game?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 23 – Denver Broncos 16.
3. How did Justin Herbert perform in the game?
Herbert had a solid game, throwing for 237 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
4. Did any major players get injured during the match?
Yes, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited early in the game due to a concussion.
5. Where was the game played and when?
It was played on October 13, 2024, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.