Denver Broncos Secure #1 Seed, Defeating Chargers 27-20

The Denver Broncos defeat the Chargers by a score of 27-20 to secure the #1 seed in the playoffs, ensuring home-field advantage throughout.

The Denver Broncos entered today’s matchup with one thing on their mind – defeat the Chargers to capture the number one seed for the playoffs. The Denver Broncos had a slew of possibilities entering their final game of the season. With a loss (and Chiefs loss), the Denver Broncos were going to be the number three seed. With a loss (and Chiefs win), the Denver Broncos would be the number five seed. However, with a win, the Denver Broncos secured the number one seed.

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By earning the number one seed, the Denver Broncos have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Denver Broncos won home-field advantage by defeating the Patriots, at home, a few weeks back, so that win could prove monumental moving forward. With the San Diego Chargers out of contention, they had one mission – to play spoiler for the Denver Broncos.

Brock Osweiler started under center for the Denver Broncos, and he led the team to an opening drive touchdown pass, connecting with Demaryius Thomas on a 72-yard pass. The Denver Broncos’ offense remained relatively quiet for the remainder of the first half; however, the Chargers tacked on two field goals to bring the score to 7-6 entering halftime.

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The San Diego Chargers forced several turnovers in the first half, which led to Gary Kubiak benching Osweiler for Peyton Manning. The Denver Broncos needed to win their season finale, and who else would you turn to in a big situation? After a Philip Rivers touchdown pass to Antonio Gates, the Denver Broncos found themselves down 13-7, vaulting Manning into the game.

Manning quickly turned the Denver Broncos’ deficit into a lead; although, it was behind the legs of the running game that helped pave the way. However, Manning audibled several times to avoid pass rushes and get the ball into the hands of his running backs. In Peyton Manning’s first drive in over eight weeks, he led the Denver Broncos down the field, with C.J. Anderson capping off the drive with a one-yard score.

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Entering the fourth quarter, the Denver Broncos found themselves up 14-13 and just one quarter away from the number one seed for the playoffs. Brandon McManus knocked in a clutch 48-yard field goal with just over 13 minutes remaining in the game, increasing the Denver Broncos’ lead to four points (17-13). Following the Denver Broncos’ field goal, the Chargers quickly scored off of busted coverage (sorry, Aqib Talib). Rivers connected with Tyrell Williams for an 80-yard touchdown to take the lead by a score of 20-17.

The Denver Broncos did not quit their pursuit, quickly answering with a field goal from McManus to tie the game at 20. The Denver Broncos pulled away after a 23-yard rushing touchdown from Ronnie Hillman, sealing the fate for the team. The Denver Broncos, ultimately, won the game by a score of 27-20, ensuring the top seed throughout the playoffs.

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With Peyton Manning entering the game, the Denver Broncos and Gary Kubiak have a tough decision moving forward. With Kubiak turning to Manning when the going got rough, Manning should be the starter heading into the playoffs, especially with a week off before the Denver Broncos hit the field again. The Denver Broncos have a week to sure up any loose ends in order to make a deep playoff run.

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