LA Chargers: Getting to know the Week 16 Opponent, the Denver Broncos
By Devon Auriemma
After defeating the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football, the LA Chargers will take on the Denver Broncos in a Week 16 AFC West matchup.
The LA Chargers beat the Raiders and picked up their first divisional win since December of 2018. This was another matchup that seemed like neither side wanted to win, but in the end, Justin Herbert took it upon himself to lead the Chargers to their fifth win of the season.
Herbert shined in prime time yet again, throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns and running for the game-winner in overtime. Herbert has now tied Baker Mayfield for the most passing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback in NFL history with a good chance to break that record with two games remaining.
This was a close game throughout. Derek Carr left the game in the first quarter with a groin injury. Marcus Mariota came in and the Chargers defense had no answer for his athleticism. He threw for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 88 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Chris Harris Jr. came away with a huge interception that prevented the Raiders from taking the lead late in the fourth quarter but the Chargers were unable to take advantage and the game went to overtime.
Mariota and the Raiders drove down the field and they were faced with 3rd and goal from the five. Isaac Rochell batted down Mariota’s pass and the Raiders settled for a field goal. Herbert had an opportunity to pick up his second career game-winning drive and he delivered.
After a pass interference on Trayvon Mullen, Herbert completed a 53-yard pass to Jalen Guyton to set the Chargers up inside the five yard line. After two failed rushing attempts to get in the endzone, Herbert crossed the goal line on his third attempt, giving the Chargers the victory.
The Chargers will attempt to pick up their second divisional win of the year as they take on the Denver Broncos in Week 16.
Last Five Matchups
The Broncos have won the last three meetings and four out of the last five against the Chargers. Back in Week 8, the Broncos overcame a 21-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Chargers on the last play of the game. Drew Lock found KJ Hamler for the game-winning touchdown.