Denver Broncos vs Chargers Match Player Stats (Dec 19, 2024)
The Denver Broncos vs Chargers match player stats from 19th December 2024 reveal one of the most dramatic momentum shifts you’ll see all season.
I sat in the press box at SoFi Stadium watching the Broncos dominate early, only to witness the Chargers flip the script completely. What started as Denver’s night turned into a masterclass in second-half adjustments by Jim Harbaugh’s squad.
This AFC West clash carried massive playoff implications. Both teams entered at 8-6, fighting for their postseason lives. The winner would control their destiny heading into the final two weeks. The loser would need help. Stakes don’t get much higher in Week 16.
The Broncos hadn’t clinched a playoff spot since 2015. They came in riding a four-game winning streak, looking to break their eight-year drought. The Chargers, meanwhile, were seeking their first divisional sweep since 2010. Both franchises had plenty to prove on Thursday Night Football.
Table of Contents
The Headlines That Matter
Final Score: Chargers 34, Broncos 27
The Turning Point: Chargers erased an 11-point deficit with a 21-0 scoring run
The Stakes: Both teams fighting for playoff lives at 9-6
Game Context That Changes Everything
The Chargers’ victory boosted their playoff probability to 97%, essentially punching their ticket as the AFC’s sixth seed. Denver’s loss dropped their chances to 85%, creating a nervous final two weeks for Broncos Country. This wasn’t just another divisional game. This determined who controlled their January fate.
Quarterback Showdown: Herbert vs Nix Stats
The quarterback battle told two completely different stories, and the numbers reveal why one team celebrated while the other wondered what went wrong.
| Stat Category | Justin Herbert |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 23/31 (74.2%) |
| Passing Yards | 284 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passer Rating | 110.1 |
| Rushing Attempts | 8 |
| Rushing Yards | 28 |
| Longest Rush | 18 yards |
| Sacks Taken | 2 for -21 yards |
Herbert’s 16-yard scramble on third-and-10 in the fourth quarter changed everything. Coach Harbaugh called it “the greatness of Justin Herbert” postgame. That play extended the drive that sealed the game. When pressure mounted, Herbert delivered with his legs and arm, throwing across his body for the go-ahead touchdown to Derius Davis.
| Stat Category | Bo Nix |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 29/40 (72.5%) |
| Passing Yards | 263 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 106.6 |
| Rushing Attempts | 3 |
| Rushing Yards | 25 |
| Longest Rush | 15 yards |
| Sacks Taken | 2 for -18 yards |
Here’s what killed Denver: Nix averaged just 3.3 air yards per attempt. That’s the second-lowest mark for any QB with 20+ attempts all season. The Chargers’ defence took away the deep ball completely, forcing Nix into a dink-and-dunk approach that couldn’t sustain drives when it mattered.
Key Takeaway: Herbert made plays when the Chargers needed them most. Nix couldn’t adjust when LA’s defence tightened the screws.
Running Back Battle: Edwards Powers Through
The ground game proved crucial for both teams, but one backfield clearly outperformed the other when examining the Broncos Chargers player statistics.
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Edwards | 14 | 68 | 4.9 | 2 | 43 |
| Kimani Vidal | 5 | 24 | 4.8 | 0 | 19 |
| Justin Herbert | 8 | 28 | 3.5 | 0 | 18 |
| Derius Davis | 1 | -3 | -3.0 | 0 | -3 |
| Team Total | 28 | 117 | 4.2 | 2 | 43 |
Edwards’ 43-yard burst in the fourth quarter broke Denver’s back. That explosive run set up the game-sealing touchdown. His ability to punch in two short touchdowns while also breaking off chunk plays gave LA the balanced attack they needed.
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audric Estime | 9 | 48 | 5.3 | 1 | 9 |
| Javonte Williams | 4 | 24 | 6.0 | 0 | 15 |
| Blake Watson | 4 | 10 | 2.5 | 0 | 7 |
| Bo Nix | 3 | 25 | 8.3 | 0 | 15 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| Team Total | 21 | 110 | 5.2 | 1 | 15 |
Denver averaged 5.2 yards per carry but only ran 21 times. Big mistake when you’re protecting a lead. The Broncos abandoned their ground game just when they needed it most, allowing the Chargers’ pass rush to tee off on obvious passing downs.
Critical Analysis: The Chargers committed to the run with 28 attempts despite trailing. Denver got conservative with just 21 rushes while holding a lead. That philosophical difference proved decisive.
Wide Receiver Production: The Unsung Heroes Emerge
Several players stepped up in crucial moments, demonstrating why depth matters in December football. You can see similar clutch performances in our breakdown of the Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats.
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladd McConkey | 6 | 6 | 87 | 14.5 | 0 | 27 |
| Joshua Palmer | 6 | 3 | 41 | 13.7 | 0 | 24 |
| Hassan Haskins | 2 | 2 | 39 | 19.5 | 1 | 34 |
| Stone Smartt | 3 | 3 | 37 | 12.3 | 0 | 19 |
| Derius Davis | 2 | 2 | 31 | 15.5 | 1 | 19 |
| Quentin Johnston | 6 | 3 | 18 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
McConkey caught everything thrown his way (6 for 6). Perfect efficiency from your top target builds quarterback confidence. Davis scored his first career touchdown when it mattered most, while Haskins’ 34-yarder iced the game. Three different players making championship-calibre plays.
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | TDs | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Mims Jr. | 5 | 3 | 62 | 20.7 | 0 | 53 |
| Courtland Sutton | 6 | 5 | 50 | 10.0 | 0 | 18 |
| Javonte Williams | 11 | 7 | 29 | 4.1 | 0 | 12 |
| Troy Franklin | 3 | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 | 18 |
| Devaughn Vele | 3 | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 1 | 15 |
Williams caught 7 passes but averaged just 4.1 yards per catch. When your running back leads the team in targets but can’t create yards after catch, your offence becomes predictable. The Chargers sat on short routes and dared Denver to beat them deep. They couldn’t.
The Difference: LA’s receivers made explosive plays. Denver’s couldn’t create separation or YAC when the defence tightened.
Defensive Dominance: Second Half Shutdowns
The defensive statistics tell the story of adjustments, execution, and momentum. According to ESPN’s game coverage, the Chargers’ halftime defensive adjustments completely changed the game’s trajectory.
| Player | Total | Solo | Assists | Sacks | TFL | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daiyan Henley | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tony Jefferson | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kristian Fulton | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Derwin James Jr. | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Joey Bosa | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Bud Dupree | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
The Chargers held Denver to 119 yards and 6 points after halftime. Complete domination. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s adjustments took away Nix’s comfort zones, forcing him into uncomfortable situations.
| Player | Total | Solo | Assists | Sacks | TFL | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Jones | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cody Barton | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| P.J. Locke | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kris Abrams-Draine | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Drew Sanders | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Dondrea Tillman | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Denver’s defence recorded 2 sacks and 1 interception. Not enough when your offence stalls. They couldn’t generate consistent pressure on Herbert, allowing him time to find open receivers and create with his legs.
Momentum Shift: Joey Bosa’s sack late in the second quarter sparked the Chargers’ defensive resurgence. Sometimes one play changes everything.
Special Teams: The Historic Game Changer
Special teams play had a monumental impact, featuring one of the most remarkable kicks in NFL history. The Pro Football Reference game log confirms the historic nature of this play.
| Team | Kicker | FG Made/Att | Long | XP Made/Att | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | Cameron Dicker | 2/2 | 57* | 2/2 | 8 |
| Broncos | Wil Lutz | 2/2 | 55 | 3/3 | 9 |
*Historic 57-yard fair-catch field goal
*Historic 57-yard fair-catch field goal
Dicker’s kick was the first successful fair-catch field goal in 48 years. The longest in NFL history. Made possible by Tremon Smith’s fair-catch interference penalty, this kick shifted momentum despite LA still trailing at halftime.
| Team | Punter | Punts | Total Yards | Average | Long | Inside 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | Riley Dixon | 5 | 228 | 45.6 | 51 | 2 |
| Chargers | JK Scott | 3 | 125 | 41.7 | 46 | 0 |
Dixon’s strong punting couldn’t save Denver when their offence couldn’t sustain drives. Field position matters less when you can’t score.
The Momentum Timeline: When Everything Changed
Understanding how this game flipped requires examining the scoring progression:
First Half: Denver’s Dominance
- 7:37 Q1: Estime 3-yard TD run (Broncos 7-0)
- 3:15 Q1: Edwards 1-yard TD run (Tied 7-7)
- 12:22 Q2: Nix to Burton 1-yard TD (Broncos 14-7)
- 8:53 Q2: Dicker 37-yard FG (Broncos 14-10)
- 6:26 Q2: Nix to Vele 6-yard TD (Broncos 21-10)
- 0:00 Q2: Dicker 57-yard fair-catch FG (Broncos 21-13)
Second Half: Chargers Take Control
- 8:34 Q3: Lutz 41-yard FG (Broncos 24-13)
- 3:02 Q3: Edwards 5-yard TD run (Broncos 24-19)
- 12:29 Q4: Herbert to Davis 19-yard TD (Chargers 27-24)
- 2:36 Q4: Herbert to Haskins 34-yard TD (Chargers 34-24)
- 1:02 Q4: Lutz 55-yard FG (Chargers 34-27)
The Chargers outscored Denver 21-6 after halftime. That’s championship-level execution when it matters most.
Team Comparison: Where Games Are Won
The overall statistics reveal where this contest was truly decided. Similar patterns emerged in the Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs match player stats earlier this season.
| Statistic | Broncos | Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 355 | 380 |
| Yards per Play | 5.6 | 6.2 |
| First Downs | 22 | 23 |
| Third Down % | 38.5% (5/13) | 50.0% (6/12) |
| Fourth Down % | 100% (2/2) | 0.0% (0/1) |
| Red Zone TD % | 100% (3/3) | 75% (3/4) |
| Penalties-Yards | 7-61 | 2-8 |
| Time of Possession | 32:23 | 27:37 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
Three stats jump out:
- Third Down Efficiency: 50% vs 38.5% determines who sustains drives
- Penalties: 7 for 61 yards vs 2 for 8 yards shows discipline
- Yards per Play: 6.2 vs 5.6 reveals explosive potential
Key Player Spotlights: Heroes and Heartbreak
Chargers’ Game Winners:
- Justin Herbert: Leadership personified with clutch scrambles and throws
- Gus Edwards: 68 yards, 2 TDs, and that backbreaking 43-yarder
- Cameron Dicker: Historic special teams moment that sparked belief
- Derius Davis: First career TD at the perfect moment
- Joey Bosa: The sack that started the defensive turnaround
Broncos’ Bright Spots Despite Loss:
- Audric Estime: Efficient 5.3 YPC and opening touchdown
- Marvin Mims Jr.: 53-yard reception was Denver’s only explosive play
- Brandon Jones: Team-high 10 tackles trying to stem the tide
The Coaching Chess Match
Jim Harbaugh’s halftime adjustments proved decisive. His defensive coordinator Jesse Minter eliminated Denver’s deep passing game. Offensively, they stayed committed to the run despite trailing, setting up play-action opportunities.
Sean Payton’s Broncos got conservative when leading. Only 21 rushing attempts while protecting a lead shows questionable game management. When your quarterback averages 3.3 air yards per attempt, you’ve become too predictable.
FAQs About Denver Broncos vs Chargers Match Player Stats
What was the final score of the Denver Broncos vs Chargers match?
The Chargers won 34-27 after trailing 24-13 in the third quarter.
Who had better stats: Justin Herbert or Bo Nix?
Herbert posted a 110.1 passer rating with 284 yards and 2 TDs. Nix had a 106.6 rating with 263 yards and 2 TDs, but averaged just 3.3 air yards per attempt.
Which running back performed best in the game?
Gus Edwards dominated with 68 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries, including a crucial 43-yard run.
How many penalties did each team commit?
Denver committed 7 penalties for 61 yards compared to the Chargers’ 2 for 8 yards. This discipline gap proved crucial.
What was special about Cameron Dicker’s field goal?
Dicker made a 57-yard fair-catch field goal, the longest in NFL history and first successful attempt in 48 years.
How did the Chargers’ defence shut down Denver?
They held the Broncos to just 119 yards and 6 points in the second half by eliminating deep passing options.
What were the playoff implications of this game?
The Chargers’ victory boosted their playoff probability to 97% while Denver’s dropped to 85%, creating nervous final weeks for the Broncos.
The Bottom Line
The Denver Broncos vs Chargers match player stats show how games turn on execution, adjustments, and momentum. One team made plays when it mattered. The other couldn’t sustain success. That’s December football in the NFL.
