The Broncos enter the Jarrett Stidham era after announcing that Russell Wilson has been benched. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High.
Live updates
FINAL | Broncos 16, Chargers 9
On the bright side, 67,221 isn’t a half-bad attendance number for a sideshow.
Thatap what Denver’s 16-9 home win over the Los Angeles Chargers on the final afternoon of 2023 became by the time everybody left Empower Field and headed to their New Year’s Eve parties.
When the Broncos do their retrospective on how this year finished with such a thud, they’ll find they have nobody to blame but themselves, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
More Broncos coverage:
- Keeler: Russell Wilson’s likely divorce from Sean Payton has apountry pointing fingers at Greg Penner. “You guys have got to stop doing this.”
- Kiszla: If “Sparky” Stidham is the answer at quarterback, Broncos are already doomed in 2024.
- Broncos coach Sean Payton: Russell Wilson “fantastic” in handling demotion even as drama around contract conversations continues.
- Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton on missing playoffs despite win over Chargers: “It (stinks) and it is bittersweet.”
- PHOTOS: Denver Broncos beat LA Chargers 16-9 in NFL Week 17.
- Broncos report card: A quality defensive outing propels Denver to home win over Chargers on New Year’s Eve.
- Heroes and Zeros from Broncos’ win over Chargers: Lil’Jordan Humphrey goes in spin cycle.
- Broncos four downs: Sean Payton might be best coach Broncos have had since Super Bowl. But he’s a lousy liar.
- WATCH: Jarrett Stidham finds Lil’Jordan Humphrey for electric 54-yard touchdown vs. Chargers.
Fourth-quarter updates
Faded (5:21 p.m.): And in Kansas City … The Bengals’ drive falls short. The Broncos’ playoff hopes are DONE. — Matt Schubert
Recovered (5:20 p.m.): The Broncos recover, and that’s game. — Matt Schubert
Field goal, Chargers (5:18 p.m.): The Bengals are driving down 8 … and Dicker the Kicker just nailed a 52-yarder to pull the Chargers within 16-9 with 1:17 left. Onside kick forthcoming. — Matt Schubert
No-shows (5:13 p.m.): A total of 9,007 no-shows for today’s game. All things considered, not a bad number. Last week was much larger. — Matt Schubert
And fading… (5:12 p.m.): It’s 25-17 Chiefs in the only result that now matters for the Broncos. Looking like next week’s game at Las Vegas will land on a Sunday — and mean very little. — Matt Schubert
And fading (5:04 p.m.): Pittsburgh wins in Seattle. That means the Broncos’ wild card hopes are dead.
And if Kansas City holds on, that means their division hopes are dead, too. — Matt Schubert
Playoff hopes fading (4:59 p.m.): The bad news: With KC and Pittsburgh both leading their games, it appears the Broncos’ playoff hopes could be done by the end of the afternoon. — Matt Schubert
No good, Chargers (4:58 p.m.): Dicker the Kicker with an absolute shank of a kick. Zach Allen might’ve got a piece. It’s 16-6 Broncos with 6:19 to go. — Matt Schubert
Fourth-and-good (4:55 p.m.): Easton Stick connected with Quentin Johnson for the first down on fourth-and-5. Los Angeles’ drive continues. — Joe Nguyen
Field goal, Broncos (4:48 p.m.): It appears the Chargers’ timeout knocked some sense into Sean Payton. Wil Lutz comes on and buries a 24-yard field goal. It’s 16-6 Denver with 11:19 to go. — Matt Schubert
Fouth-and-goal (4:47 p.m.): Apparently the answer is yes. — Matt Schubert
Third-and-1 (4:46 p.m.): Back to the 1-yard line … third down …
And Javonte Williams gets dropped for a loss. Do the Broncos dare go for it AGAIN?!?!? — Matt Schubert
Penaltypalooza (4:44 p.m.): Back-to-back false starts after the ball was placed on the 1-yard line. — Matt Schubert
Bailed out (4:43 p.m.): Broncos get bailed out with a pass interference in the end zone on a fourth-and-1 prayer from Jarrett Stidham. Just a terrible decision to go for it, but it won’t matter. — Matt Schubert
Denver ball (4:39 p.m.): And the ruling is: We, in fact, do have a fumble.
Broncos ball at the Chargers’ 38 yard line with 14:53 to go in the fourth. Field goal here probably wins it. — Matt Schubert
Team takeover (4:37 p.m.): D.J. Jones tackled Austin Ekeler, who fumbles. Josey Jewell recovers. Denver ball? Maybe. It’s under review. — Joe Nguyen
We may or may not have a fumble here from the Chargers. — Matt Schubert
Third-quarter analysis — Broncos 13, Chargers 6
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos can’t lose this game. Right? Right?
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos’ offensive spark has been … Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: C’mon, you Bengals. Beat them Chiefs.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: If it wasn’t for Lil’Jordan, I might’ve fallen asleep by now.
Third-quarter updates
Another punt (4:29 p.m.): Stidham sack on third down — one play after a bizarre hesi-flea flicker — and the Broncos are punting again. The ever-dangerous Easton Stick gets the ball with a chance to tie.
The Broncos offense in the third quarter is like if I took an accounting exam. — Matt Schubert
First downs (4:26 p.m.): Broncos go for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 24 and BARELY convert with a Javonte Williams run off tackle.
Tack on another Williams run and the Broncos have the ball near midfield. — Matt Schubert
Field goal, Chargers (4:20 p.m.): Cameron Dicker nails the 50-yard field goal. Broncos 13, Chargers 6 with 6:20 to go in the third quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Dicker the Kicker good from 50 yards. We’ve back to a one-possession game. P.J. Locke missed a pair of tackles on that drive. Rough day for the young safety so far. 13-6 Broncos with 6:20 left in the third quarter. — Matt Schubert
Injury update (4:14 p.m.): Right tackle Mike McGlinchey has been downgraded to OUT with a rib injury. — Matt Schubert
Third-quarter woes continue (4:12 p.m.): And that’s all the Broncos will get. — Matt Schubert
Connection (4:10 p.m.): Jarrett Stidham hits Lil’Jordan Humphrey on third-and-long, and we have a drive to start the third quarter that includes a first down! — Matt Schubert
Halftime analysis — Broncos 13, Chargers 3
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Stidham hasn’t found a full-on rhythm yet, but he’s made a couple of big plays with Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Jerry Jeudy helping him out after the catch for gains of 54 (TD) and 41. That’s been enough to get him up to 12/22 for 165 in the first half.
Long way to go today, but the Broncos are in good shape. And if Kansas City loses to Cincinnati… well, next weekend could be interesting.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Stidham is taking advantage of one of the worst passing defenses in the league. He has 165 yards and a touchdown in the first half. The way Los Angeles has played, the Chargers might not score for the rest of the game.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Love how the Chiefs are daring the Broncos to do what the Raiders couldn’t: Make Week 18 MEAN something. Go home, AFC. You’re drunk.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: The three greatest quarterbacks in Broncos history? No. 1: John Elway; No. 2: Peyton Manning, and No. 3: Jarrett Stidham? Don’t @ me.
Second-quarter updates
No good (3:53 p.m.): Jarrett Stidham operating the two-minute offense, hits a wide-open Jerry Jeudy to get on the Chargers’ side of the field. But Wil Lutz is wide right two plays later. 13-3 Broncos going into halftime.
Second week in a row Lutz missed a field goal just before halftime. — Matt Schubert
OK, some chemistry (3:52 p.m.): Stidham connected with Jeudy for a 41-yard reception. — Joe Nguyen
No chemistry (3:42 p.m.): The timing between Jeudy and Stidham has not been there this afternoon. — Ryan McFadden
Field goal, Broncos (3:41 p.m.): Welp, field goal it is after Stidham throws behind Jerry Jeudy on third down. Wil Lutz is good from 42 and its 13-3. Put the house down on that being the halftime score. — Matt Schubert
Driving forward (3:38 p.m.): Broncos are in field-goal range on third-and-four at the Chargers’ 25. Score a touchdown here, and it’s probably good night, Chargers. — Matt Schubert
Botched fake punt (3:36 p.m.): The Ghosts of Brandon Staley still haunt the locals in Chargersville. — Sean Keeler
Touchdown, Broncos (3:25 p.m.): AND WE HAVE SOME ENERGY AT EMPOWER FIELD!!!
Courtesy of Jarrett Stidham to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, with the latter shaking off at least three tackles for the 54-yard touchdown. — Matt Schubert
Lil'Jordan with a big run after the catch for the TD!
📺: on CBS
📱: Stream on— NFL (@NFL)
And, just like that, Lil’Jordan Humphrey is your new clubhouse leader for ’23 Vindication Bowl MVP. — Sean Keeler
Knotted up (3:18 p.m.): Cameron Dicker with the 36-yard field goal for Los Angeles. Broncos 3, Chargers 3 with 9:43 to go in the first half. — Joe Nguyen
We’ve got two field goals through 20 minutes of play. And, yes, it’s just as exciting as it sounds.
Sean Payton said he replaced Russell Wilson with Jarrett Stidham to give the offense a “spark.” Still waiting on that. — Matt Schubert
Sacked (3:10 p.m.): Khalil Mack just sacked Jarrett Stidham by basically throwing an offensive lineman into him. Mack now has 100.5 sacks in his career. — Joe Nguyen
First-quarter analysis — Broncos 3, Chargers 0
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: A pillow fight to close out the year.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos lead 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin has carried the offense so far in this contest.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: IS this the worst QB-vs-QB matchup at Empower over the last five years? It’s setting up that way. The Broncos are on a pace for a 164-yard passing day, though, which would only be the third lowest by a Payton offense at home this season (87 vs. KC; 125 vs. CLE, both wins).
Mark Kiszla, beat writer: It seems to me the Broncos should find a way to get the football more often to that No. 38 guy. But what do I know? In Sean we trust.
First-quarter updates
Field goal, Broncos (2:53 p.m.): Denver settles for a field goal as Wil Lutz nails the 32-yard chip shot. Broncos 3, Chargers 0 with 3:55 to go in the first quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Injury update (2:49 p.m.): Offensive tackle Cam Fleming replaces McGlinchey, who is now inside the blue medical tent. — Ryan McFadden
Looked like some kind of right arm/shoulder issue for McGlinchey. He was in a lot pain as he walked off the field. — Parker Gabriel
Injury (2:48 p.m.): Broncos starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey is down after Javonte Williams’ 1-yard run. — Ryan McFadden
Run, Javonte, run (2:46 p.m.): Javonte Williams just had a nice 16-yard run. Credit Quinn Meinerz for dragging him for those final three. Denver in the red zone. — Joe Nguyen
Injury update (2:42 p.m.): Turner-Yell’s back in the locker room now after what looked like a left knee injury. — Parker Gabriel
Another three-and-out (2:39 p.m.): Back-to-back three-and-outs for the Broncos defense. It was followed up by a nice 14-yard punt return by Tremon Smith. Denver will start at its own 34. — Joe Nguyen
Sacked (2:37 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper sacked Easton Stick. — Joe Nguyen
Injury (2:37 p.m.): Broncos safety Delarrin Turner-Yell was helped off the field by trainers after Chargers Derius Davis’ 12-yard punt return.
Broncos announced the Turner-Yell is questionable to return with a knee injury. — Ryan McFadden
Stidham’s first drive (2:33 p.m.): It wasn’t the greatest drive for the Broncos’ new starting quarterback. Stidham completed one of four passes for 5 yards. His touch has been a tad off early. — Joe Nguyen
Jarrett Stidham’s first drive as the starter was uneventful. He went 1-for-4 with 5 yards, and threw three straight incompletions before the Broncos punt. — Ryan McFadden
First-series jitters for Jarrett Stidham, perhaps. — Parker Gabriel
First completion (2:32 p.m.): Stidham connected with Samaje Perine for a 5-yard completion and a first down. — Joe Nguyen
Running start (2:30 p.m.): Denver’s first two plays with Stidham under center: a 5-yard run by Jaleel McLaughlin and a 4-yard scramble by Stidham. — Joe Nguyen
Three-and-out (2:28 p.m.): The offense may be in flux, but the defense showed up. Quick three-and-out. It’s Jarrett Stidham time. — Joe Nguyen
Coin toss (2:24 p.m.): The Broncos won the toss and — surprise, surprise — will kick it off to start the game. — Joe Nguyen
Pre-game updates
Inactives (1 p.m.): WR Jerry Jeudy is active after dealing with an illness late in the week. No big surprise there.
Broncos inactives:
- WR Courtland Sutton (concussion)
- WR Marvin Mims, Jr. (hamstring)
- OLB Baron Browning (concussion)
- DL Elijah Garcia
- C Alex Forsyth
- OLB Thomas Incoom
- S JL Skinner
— Parker Gabriel
Good morning from Empower Field! (12:05 p.m.): We’re sending 2023 out with a Broncos home game and a ton of sideshow drama. Actually, it’s really main stage drama at this point. Russell Wilson’s been benched. Jarrett Stidham’s starting. The week played out with the thunderbolt news that’s actually been brewing for a couple of months. Then Wilson said his part Friday. The optics battle has continued through Sunday morning.
Bottom line: The Broncos and Wilson are heading their separate ways after this year. There’s almost no going back from this kind of mess. In the meantime, he’s backing up Stidham and could conceivably end up in the game today. What a world. — Parker Gabriel
Scouting report (11:21 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chargers in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 23
A Jarrett Stidham win? A Jarrett Stidham win. Remember, the Chargers are starting Easton Stick and have an interim coach and general manager. Nobody in this game’s got much to lose. If Denver gets a win, maybe a bunch of other games fall their way, too. Letap get weird.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 27, Chargers 20
In the battle of backup quarterbacks, Jarrett Stidham will come out on top. The Chargers have one of the worst passing defenses in the league and Stidham has a chance to put up impressive numbers in his first start with the Broncos. My crystal ball also tells me wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will have a big game.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Chargers 20, Broncos 10
Sean Payton insists the change at quarterback is all about winning. How many players in the Denver locker room truly believe Jarrett Stidham gives the team a better chance to beat the Chargers than Russell Wilson? We’re fixing to find out.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Broncos 23, Chargers 20
So many of my preseason predictions were off, but the one thatap felt right from the start? An 8-9 campaign for the Broncos in their first year under Sean Payton. That means splitting the next two games vs. the Chargers and at Las Vegas. It says here that this weekend’s game is the most winnable of the two — even with the quarterback change.
Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 17: Must-reads
How a particular Sean Payton-Russell Wilson sore spot highlights unbridgeable gap between coach and benched quarterback
Payton and Wilson are opposites in personality and preferred play style. Payton runs hot, believes in the efficacy of confrontation and the power of exacting play design. Wilson is Mr. Neutral, hardly ever utters a controversial word, and has made himself one of the most decorated players of the past decade in the NFL by coloring outside the lines.
Payton is free-wheeling and unafraid of putting his foot in his mouth, then loses his mind about the width of wide receiver splits, sure 6 inches make the difference between getting jammed and a 60-yard touchdown. Wilson is polished and rehearsed to an eye-glazing degree 164.5 hours per week and a purveyor of improvisation the other 3.5.
The off-field differences might have been bridgeable. Payton showed signs almost immediately that the on-field gap was not, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
Kiszla: With good riddance to Mr. Letap Ride, who can end Broncos’ long nightmare at quarterback?
After paying mightily through their sniveling noses to end the Russell Wilson error, the Broncos will now gamble on the cheap that the Jarrett Stidham era will make it all better.
Well, good riddance to Mr. Letap Ride. But your beloved local NFL team is right back where it has spent most of the last eight seasons, as a league laughingstock.
Whether the mess in Denver’s offensive huddle has been operated by Trevor Siemian, Joe Flacco or Drew Lock, the only thing for certain during the Broncos’ long playoff drought is the next answer at quarterback is not for long, Mark Kiszla writes. Read the full column.
Broncos’ Russell Wilson hopes to stay in Denver despite being benched: “I hope that itap here for a long time”
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is unsure what the future holds for him after getting benched this week. But he told reporters on Friday afternoon that he hopes he remains in the Mile High City.
“I hope that itap here for a long time. I hope to win more (trophies) in the front hall (at Centura Health Training Center) and get some more championships. If itap not here, then I’m prepared to do that somewhere else,” Wilson said. “But I hope that itap here, and I genuinely mean that. … I brought my family here.”
Wilson said he was surprised and disappointed about head coach Sean Payton’s decision to move forward with Jarrett Stidham as the starting quarterback for the final two games.
He believed the team had something special going, even after losing two in a row to drop to 7-8, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.
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