Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Live updates
FINAL | Chargers 23, Broncos 16
After falling behind 23-0, Denver made a run at it in the fourth quarter, but fell just short, losing 23-16 to the Chargers on Sunday.
Bo Nix threw a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough as Denver fell to 3-3 on the season.
The Broncos will have a short week as they head to New Orleans to play the Saints at 6:15 p.m. Thursday.
More Broncos coverage:
- Broncos four downs: Ferris Bueller took the first half off (again), and Denver had no chance because of it.
- Bo Nix Watch: Rookie QB rebounds after rough first half in loss to Chargers.
- apB Pat Surtain II ruled out vs. Chargers after first-quarter concussion.
- WATCH: Broncos rookie Troy Franklin catches 1st NFL touchdown, a 2-yard pass from Bo Nix.
- WATCH: Broncos’ Courtland Sutton makes wild touchdown catch against Chargers.
Fourth-quarter updates
Another kickoff attempt (5:05 p.m.): After a field goal cuts the Chargers lead to 23-16, Denver is trying for an onside kick. The first one had offsetting fouls, so we get to do it again. — Nguyen
13 (4:52 p.m.): If the Broncos’ “13” stands, it’ll be just the third Bolts-Broncos game in Denver this century in which the orange and blue scored fewer than 14 points. If that ’13’ holds, that would be the fewest points vs. the Chargers at home since 2018 (23-9 loss). — Keeler
Touchdown, Broncos (4:44 p.m.): The play’s been confirmed. — Nguyen
An incredible Courtland Sutton touchdown grab … followed by an unsuccessful two-point conversation on what amounted to a Marvin Mims Jr. jet sweep. Sadly, that might be game. It’s 23-13 Chargers with 5:22 left. — Schubert
The Chargers are the Tottenham Hotspur of the AFC. Minus the silverware. — Keeler
Courtland Sutton’s had a tough start to the season, but he makes spectacular catches with the best of them and that was one of his very best. — Gabriel
Touchdown, Broncos? (4:43 p.m.): Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for a 15-yard touchdown as the receiver was sliding out of the back of the end zone. The play is under review. — Nguyen
Courtland Sutton comes down with a WILD touchdown catch 👀
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Fourth-down conversion (4:41 p.m.): Bo Nix’s fancy feet worked again. On the fourth-and-5, Nix scrambled for 6 yards to keep the drive alive. — Nguyen
Awakened (4:39 p.m.): Back-to-back big passes for the Broncos. A 20-yard catch by Courtland Sutton followed by a 17-yard reception by Devaughn Vele. — Nguyen
Denver D (4:35 p.m.): One thing I’ll say is the defense knows how to make second half adjustments. — McFadden
Justin Strnad continues to make most of his opportunity. He just netted his second sack in there games. — Renck
Rookies (4:34 p.m.): Broncos rookie skill production on that drive:
- Audric Estime 11-yard run
- Troy Franklin 29-yard catch
- Devaughn Vele 37-yard catch
- Franklin 2-yard TD catch
79 of Denver’s 95 yards. — Gabriel
Oregon connection (4:29 p.m.): Finally, some life! Bo Nix converts fourth-and-2 with a 37-yard pass play to Devaughn Vele, and then hits Troy Franklin for a 2-yard touchdown on the very next play. It’s 23-7, Broncos, with 10:06 left in the game. — Schubert
The connection!
Bo Nix finds Troy Franklin for his first career TD catch!
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Going for it (4:26 p.m.): After a Courtland Sutton 10-yard catch made it fourth-and-2, Denver went for it. And it was a good decision. Bo Nix connected with Devaughn Vele for a 37-yard gain. First-and-goal at the 2 now. — Nguyen
Devaughn Vele with the catch and run to set up first and goal for the !
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Driving (4:24 p.m.): Solid first three plays for Denver on this drive. An 8-yard pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, an 11-yard run by Audric Estime and then 29-yard catch by Troy Franklin. — Nguyen
Third-quarter analysis — Chargers 23, Broncos 0
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The only question remaining in this game is if the Broncos will avoid the first home shutout in franchise history.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Welcome to what’s shaping up to be the worst home loss for the Broncos in recent memory. Literally nothing is working.
Third-quarter updates
Field goal (4:06 p.m.): Cameron Dicker with the 46-yard field goal to extend the Chargers’ lead. Chargers 23, Broncos 0 with 2:35 to go in the third quarter. — Nguyen
Casa Bonitto (4:05 p.m.): Nik Bonitto records a sack in fourth straight game. It’s the first time a Broncos player has done that since Von Miller. — Nguyen
Offensive woes (4 p.m.): It is easy to pin this loss on Patrick Surtain II’s absence. But the Broncos’ offensive game plan and executive have been awful. They have earned this ear boxing in every way through 2.5 quarters. — Renck
Shutout alert (3:59 p.m.): A note to consider with 1.5 quarters to play: The Broncos have not been shut out since a road game in 2017 against the Chargers (21-0) and they’ve never been shut out at home. — Gabriel
Punt (3:56 p.m.): A promising Broncos drive died after a pair of penalties made third-and-20. Riley Dixon did have a nice punt, forcing the Chargers to start at their own 9. — Nguyen
The plays following Nix’s 21-yard scramble: incompletion, incompletion, delay of game, illegal formation, incompletion. — McFadden
Bo’s sneaky skills (3:52 p.m.): Nifty slip by Bo Nix to avoid the sack and then scramble for a 21-yard gain. It’s Denver’s longest play of the day. — Nguyen
Defensive stop (3:47 p.m.): Denver’s defense held the Chargers to just 12 yards on six plays. Let’s see if they can do something on offense. — Nguyen
Halftime analysis — Chargers 20, Broncos 0
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: What might have been had Jim Harbaugh actually been ready to leave Michigan after the 2022 season.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Defense hasn’t been great but it’s hard to give yourself a chance when you can’t move the ball down the field.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: The Chargers since 1960 have NEVER shut out the Broncos in Denver. Ever. The Bolts have only scored more than 39 points in the Mile High City twice in seven decades of AFL-NFL meetings. So I guess we’re halfway to history? Yeah. Halfway to history.
Troy Renck, sports columnist: Chargers good at football. Broncos not good at football. …. Denver booed off the field down 20-0 after getting punched in the face.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Well, that was easily the worst half of football the Broncos have played this season. And it’s not hard to point to why. Boos rain down on the Broncos as they go into the locker room. This is why Pat Surtain gets the contract that he does.
Second-quarter updates
Rough day for Bo Nix (3:27 p.m.): Nix’s stats in the first half? He’s 3 of 10 for 22 yards and an interception. Plus one carry for 2 yards. — Nguyen
Broncos offense in the first half:
- Three first downs
- 2-6 on third down
- 60 total yards
- 38 rushing yards
Nix was 3-10 with 22 yards and an interception. — McFadden
Huge play? (3:25 p.m.): What would’ve been a 46-yard pass to Courtland Sutton, a holding penalty on Quinn Meinerz brings it back. It’s third-and-12 for Denver. — Nguyen
Touchdown, Chargers (3:21 p.m.): Chargers are 8/10 on third down, just went up 20-0 with 1:00 left in the half and have had the ball for 21:05.
Total and utter domination. — Gabriel
J.K. Dobbins reaches for SIX!
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On the one hand, it’s the Chargers, so a Chargering is always possible.
On the other hand, I’m not sure if Chargering is going to be a thing with Jim Harbaugh. — Schubert
A return (3:18 p.m.): Eyioma Uwazurike in the game for the Broncos. Getting his first run since before the gambling suspension that cost him the entire 2023 season. — Gabriel
Do or die (3:16 p.m.): Chargers score a touchdown on this drive and this game is over. This offense has shown its not capable enough to comeback from a 20-point deficit. — McFadden
Slow start (3:07 p.m.): Two differences between last week’s slow start and this one:
1. Pat Surtain II’s not available to save the day.
2. The Raiders aren’t in town this weekend. — Gabriel
Sutton sighting (3:05 p.m.): Courtland Sutton gets his first catch of the day, an 8-yarder for a first down. But Javonte Williams fumbled and the lost the ball on the next play. — Nguyen
Khalil Mack slams into Javonte Williams, causing a fumble. Chargers defense is physical with an ornery disposition. TD here could seal the game given Broncos offensive issues and Surtain’s absence defensively. — Renck
Nice run (3:03 p.m.): Javonte Williams opens Denver’s latest drive with a nifty 13-yard run. He added 4 more on the next play. — Nguyen
Chargers drives so far (3:02 p.m.):
- 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:11, FG
- 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:53, TD
- 20 plays (!!!), 76 yards, 10:29, FG
TOP currently: LA 17:33, Broncos 6:06. — Gabriel
Sacked (2:59 p.m.): Broncos’ pass-rush comes up big there. Zach Allen and Jon Cooper, what else is new? — Gabriel
And the Broncos finally get a stop. The Chargers get a field goal and chew up nearly 10 minutes of clock. It’s 13-0 with 6:21 left in the first half. — Schubert
PI (2:57 p.m.): Another third-and-long goes for a first down after Ja’Quan McMillian gets flagged for pass interference. One more third down here from the Broncos. — Schubert
LA rolling (2:54 p.m.): Justin Herbert has been surgical on this drive for the Chargers. He’s already thrown for three first downs, and L.A. is inside the Broncos’ 15. — Schubert
Broncos could use some of this Chargers run-game plan. It’s a beauty. — Gabriel
Justin Strnad injury (2:52 p.m.): And now Broncos inside linebacker Justin Strnad appears to be injured. Went straight to the sideline after his last tackle. — Schubert
Another first down (2:52 p.m.): Make that 13 of 16. The Chargers have nine first downs on the day compared to Denver’s one. — Nguyen
Herbert’s arm (2:51 p.m.): Justin Herbert is 12 of 15 for 133 yards and a touchdown so far today. — Nguyen
First-quarter analysis — Chargers 10, Broncos 0
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: One of the offenses today has been good on third down and one has continued an early-season trend of being the worst in the NFL. One has Justin Herbert at QB and the other has Bo Nix.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Bo Nix said on Wednesday that this is one of those games when you can’t avoid making mistakes. Well, Nix threw a pick on the first offensive possession and McMillian slipped in coverage, leading to a big third down gain for the Chargers. If the Broncos don’t clean up their act quick, it could get ugly.
Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos trail 10-0 after 1. And Pat Surtain II is out for the game with a concussion sustained on Chargers’ first drive. Nix completed one pass to Chargers. And one pass to Broncos in first quater.
Offense going to have to find rhythm and fast. Defense is stout, but not the same without Surtain II.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Things were really setting up for the Broncos with the Chargers visiting and a Thursday game at a Derek Carr-less New Orleans. One quarter into this thing, boy has that narrative changed. If Bo Nix doesn’t step up here, the Broncos are in trouble.
First-quarter updates
Lackluster defense (2:44 p.m.): The Broncos pinned the Chargers to start their third drive of the game, and on third-and-8 Justin Herbert throws for a first down. The Denver defense is looking very mortal to start this game. — Schubert
No PSII (2:43 p.m.): We’re about to find out how important Pat Surtain II is to Vance Joseph’s defense. With the Broncos playing Thursday night in New Orleans, we’re looking at pretty much two games without the best cornerback in the game. — Schubert
Third-and-no-good (2:39 p.m.): Bo Nix takes a shot on third-and-long and nearly connects with Marvin Mims Jr. More of that please. — Schubert
Surtain update (2:36 p.m.): Surtain is officially OUT, per press box. — Keeler
Broncos first first down comes with 3:20 left in the first quarter. Surtain’s out with a concussion. It’s 10-0 Chargers. Other than that… — Gabriel
Bo Nix uses his legs to pick up the 1st down 🏃♂️
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Pat Surtain II has been ruled out with a concussion. — Schubert
Touchdown, Chargers (2:31 p.m.): Rough drive for the Broncos defense. The Chargers capped off a six-play, 83-yard drive with a 38-yard touchdown reception from Justin Herbert to Kimani Vidal, who just outran Cody Barton on the wheel route. Chargers 10, Broncos 0 with 4:59 to go in the first quarter. — Nguyen
. rookie RB Kimani Vidal's first touch in the NFL is a 38-yard TD catch!
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Herbert throws a 38-yard touchdown pass to Kimani Vidal to give the Chargers a 10-0 lead. He is 8 for 11 with 98 yards and a touchdown with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter. — McFadden
Harbaugh returns (2:28 p.m.): Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is back on the field. — Nguyen
Injuries (2:27 p.m.): Chargers are currently without their top two wide receivers. Quentin Johnston is questionable with an ankle injury while McConkey is being evaluated for a head injury. — McFadden
Bad start (2:24 p.m.): Bo Nix is seeing ghosts. On third-and-6 he had a wide open receiving crossing in front of him, but the pressure spooked the rookie QB and it’s three-and-out for the Broncos. Bad, bad, bad start for the Broncos. — Schubert
Odd start (2:22 p.m.): Well that was odd and bad. Broncos’ Bo Nix throws pick on awful pass. Pat Surtain lands in concussion protocol after breaking up pass. And Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who was in the blue tent before the game, is in the locker room and questionable to return with an illness. — Renck
This game is six minutes old and we’ve already seen Pat Surtain and Jim Harbaugh go to the locker room.
Harbaugh is apparently sick. Was evaluated before the game and now has turned the keys, at least for now, over to DC Jesse Minter. — Gabriel
Field goal, Chargers (2:18 p.m.): Great play by Brandon Jones and Justin Strnad to prevent McConkey from reaching the end zone on third down. Chargers settle for a field goal to take a early 3-0 lead. — McFadden
Medical tents (2:16 p.m.): So PS2 and Harbaugh reportedly hit their respective medical tents and went to their locker rooms at the same time. This my fourth decade in NFL press boxes. Never seen that happen at THE SAME TIME before. — Keeler
Injury update (2:14 p.m.): Surtain is in concussion protocol officially, per press box announcement. — Keeler
Rough start (2:13 p.m.): Can’t imagine a worse start for the Broncos. First Nix pass picked off and then Pat Surtain II injured on the Chargers’ first offensive snap. Yikes. — Schubert
Harbaugh walks off field (2:12 p.m.): Coach Harbaugh has left to the field and headed to the locker room. Not sure why. — Renck
PSII slow to get up (2:11 p.m.): Pat Surtain II jogs off under his own power. Got his right arm trapped under Charger player’s body. Also slammed his head to the turf. — Renck
Picked (2:08 p.m.): Just a really bad pass from Bo Nix on third-and-long. Interception and now the Chargers will start their first offensive drive in Denver territory. — Schubert
Coin toss (2:05 p.m.): Chargers won the toss and defer. Broncos will start the game on offense. — McFadden
Pre-game updates
Football weather (1:58 p.m.): Postcard perfect day for football. 65 degrees with 7 mph wind. Expected to sit around that temp for the entire game. — Renck
Bosa injury (12:39 p.m.): Edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) is among the notable inactive players for the Chargers. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being a limited participant on Friday and listed as questionable. — McFadden
Broncos inactives (12:36 p.m.):
- QB Zach Wilson (3rd QB)
- OL Alex Palczewski
- S JL Skinner
- S Keidron Smith
- CB Kris Abrams-Draine
- TE Greg Dulcich
- RB Blake Watson
RB Audric Estime, WR Devaughn Vele are active. DL Eni Uwazurike up for the first time this year.
Extra size for run-heavy LA. — Gabriel
Scouting report (10:30 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Raiders in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Chargers 17
Line these rosters and this game up and it feels like a Los Angeles win. Jim Harbaugh’s done good work with the Bolts already and it should pay dividends for Justin Herbert over time. They’re coming off a bye. They could get their starting tackles back. They’re more dedicated to actually running the football. They’re favored on the road for a reason. But sometimes you just ride the wave. The Broncos defense looks capable of gliding down the barrel of a big breaker for a while still. At some point, the offense is going to have to win this team a game. Would certainly be interesting if Denver finds its way to 4-2.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 13, Chargers 10
This game won’t be pretty. We are not going to get a Broncos-Jets type of matchup, but anticipate a low-scoring contest thatap dictated by the run game. As long as Nix stays away from turning the ball over like he has in the last three weeks, Denver should be able to come away with a win. Itap hard to bet against Denver’s defense at the moment.
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 17, Chargers 15
Everything is suddenly in front of the Broncos. They have won three straight and can post victories in their first two AFC West games for the first time since 2017. No team accomplishes its goals without playing well in the division. The Broncos understand this game does not have the juice of the Raiders, but it is equally important. The sets up as a grimy, hand-in-the-ground cage match given the excellence of both defenses. In the end, a Justin Herbert interception by Denver’s secondary — Riley Moss is my bet — will set up a game-winning field goal.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 16, Chargers 13
Justin Herbert is playing with a brace. Bo Nix is playing with a swagger. A lotap been made about Joey Bosa against a beat-up Broncos offensive line, but even with career Bronco-killer Maxx Crosby (two sacks) all up in his face, Nix still moved the sticks with his legs when he had to, including an 11-yard run for a first down to take the wind out of some silver-and-black pirates’ sails. Bo grows. And glows. Again.
Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 6: Must-reads
For Broncos to beat Chargers on Sunday, reversing early offensive struggles in red zone will be key
Good-on-good matchups make for must-see TV in the NFL.
Good-on-bad matchups often determine the outcome of games.
If the Broncos are to run their winning streak to four games Sunday by beating the Los Angeles Chargers, they’re likely going to have to notch a win or two in an area where they’ll be big underdogs: The offensive red zone.
Denver through five weeks is tied for 27th in the NFL with a 43.8% red zone touchdown rate, though they’ve been on a bit of an upswing recently. Thatap perhaps not a big surprise with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix. Life comes at you fast in pro football and even faster when the field gets compressed, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
Broncos prepare for “old school” matchup vs. run-heavy Chargers: “They’re a physical, tough-nosed team”
For those interested in high-flying offenses and explosive plays, Sunday’s matchup between the Broncos and Chargers might not satisfy your needs.
Under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Los Angeles has adopted a physical, run-heavy offense and Denver’s defense will have to adjust for that style of play.
This season, Los Angeles has had one of the steadiest rushing attacks in football. The Chargers are ninth in rushing yards per game (127.8) and second in run rate (53%), according to Next Gen Stats. Similar to Roman’s days as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator, he utilizes a two-running back system, featuring former Ravens JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.
Renck: Sean Payton or Jim Harbaugh? Payton was not Broncos’ first choice, but was the right choice.
There were no Tears for a Clown when Broncos owner Greg Penner fired Nathaniel Hackett in 2022. After an odious 15-game performance, stained by players lacking discipline and fighting on the sideline, Penner identified the qualities most important for removing the floppy shoes and red nose from the organization’s coaching office.
“We need a strong leader thatap focused on winning. That starts with culture,” he said. “Itap about instilling a sense of accountability, discipline, and we need an identity on offense. But at the starting point, itap got to be about culture and leadership.”
Penner might as well have been reading Jim Harbaugh’s qualifications on Indeed.
As Sean Payton’s Broncos get ready to host Harbaugh’s Chargers on Sunday, itap a debate worth revisiting, Troy Renck writes. Read the full column.
