Denver faced a third-and-1 at Los Angeles’ 10-yard line when it lined up in a T formation with quarterback Russell Wilson under center and running back Javonte Williams, fullback Michael Burton and tight end Chris Manhertz behind him.

Wilson got the Chargers to bite on a play-fake to Williams, then the nine-time Pro Bowler rolled to his left. As this was happening, tight end Adam Trautman ran undetected into the end zone, where he caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to take a 24-7 lead with 3:11 left in the fourth quarter.

What a call. #AsISawIt x @KOAColorado pic.twitter.com/Iq3CazvCVK

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 11, 2023

A day after the Broncos’ seventh victory, head coach Sean Payton said there’s no better feeling than when a play works as intended. But it has to be the right situation.

“The challenge, honestly, as a play-caller, is you really have to be true to the situation,” Payton said. “If I’m guilty, or if any of us are guilty of something, it’d be like you’re wanting to open it too quickly, and it’s not ready. It has to be right.”

If the play seemed familiar, it’s because it was. Payton got the idea from the Jacksonville Jaguars after they ran the same play against the Chargers in last year’s AFC Wild Card game. The Jaguars were down by two points with 1:28 left in regulation when they lined up in a T formation at Los Angeles’ 41-yard line.

Instead of quarterback Trevor Lawrence passing the ball on fourth-and-1, he handed the ball off to running back Travis Etienne Jr., who cut to the outside for a 25-yard gain that helped set up the game-winning field goal.

“You’re rewinding it, you’re rewinding it, and all of a sudden you see something, and then you begin to tinker with it, and you put it in,” Payton said.

Payton hoped the Chargers would take the bait if they faked the handoff to Williams. However, Williams didn’t expect Trautman to catch the ball. Throughout the week, Williams said the team ran the play with the intent of Wilson running with the ball.

Even if Wilson didn’t throw in the end zone, he had enough room to convert the first down and possibly a touchdown.

“It worked, so I’m glad (Wilson threw it),” Williams said.

The Broncos’ 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive was one of their most impressive this season. It was methodical and textbook football. More importantly, it sucked the life out of the Chargers after they had just cut the deficit to 17-7.

On the first play, Williams rushed up the middle for a 20-yard gain — his second-longest run of the season. Williams had five carries for 34 yards during the drive. In addition to being effective in the run game, the Broncos were 4-for-4 on third down. Wilson connected with Trautman on two third-down plays, including the touchdown at the end.

By the time Denver reached Los Angeles’ 10, the Chargers were out of timeouts.

“That’s just complementary football,” inside linebacker Alex Singleton said.

Extra Points

• Broncos offensive lineman Luke Wattenberg stepped up and played 32 snaps at right guard after Quinn Meinerz went to a local hospital due to an elevated heart rate. Rookie linebacker Drew Sanders played 32 defensive snaps after edge rusher Nik Bonitto went down with a knee injury.

• Denver’s defensive backs are making an impact in the pass rush. P.J. Locke is the first Broncos safety in team history to record a sack in three consecutive games. He is the first NFL safety to accomplish the feat since the Dolphins’ Brandon Jones in 2021. Meanwhile, cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian is the first Broncos cornerback to record at least 0.5 sacks in back-to-back games since Ray Crockett in 1996. McMillian has even set the franchise’s single-season record for most tackles for loss by a defensive back with seven.

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In Denver’s 24-7 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, he added another crazy grab to his growing 2023 season highlight reel.

With 6:05 left in the third quarter, Wilson launched a pass 46 yards toward the end zone, where Sutton made a one-handed touchdown catch that drew a loud roar from the thousands of orange-clad fans inside SoFi Stadium.

“He can catch everything,” Wilson said.

From toe-tap grabs to Moss-ing defenders, Sutton has done it all this season. Against the Chiefs in Week 6, he made a leaping one-handed touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone. In Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, he maintained his balance while using every last centimeter of the end zone to reel in an off-balance touchdown pass from Wilson.

Catching Wilson’s 46-yarder on Sunday with defensive back Michael Davis hanging onto him was just the latest in a long list of jaw-dropping moments.

“I think I had about 35 seconds on that play,” joked Wilson, who actually had roughly 6.5 seconds to scan the field before throwing in Sutton’s direction. “I went left (then) right. I went through my reads one, two, three, four (and) five, then back to (my first read) and Courtland, again.”

When Sutton stood at the podium after his three-catch, 62-yard performance in Denver’s seventh win of the season, he was reluctant to call his touchdown reception the best out of the bunch. Sutton said each one happens so fast that it’s hard to process.

Just know, he’s not done yet.

“There’s more to come,” he said.

For Sutton, his 10th touchdown catch of the season came with some added significance. He is the first Bronco since Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas in 2014 to record double-digit receiving touchdowns in a single season.

Sutton and Thomas were teammates in 2018. And even after the four-time Pro Bowler’s passing in 2021, Sutton still views Thomas as a brother and keeps him in his memory whenever he steps on the field.

“That’s huge to be in the conversation of (Thomas),” Sutton said. “Every time I’m on the field, I try to play with a certain attitude and demeanor. It came from the way he played the game.”

The source behind Sutton’s wizardry comes from a mixture of many things. His size and skill at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds certainly has a lot to do with it.

“He’s like that big power forward,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, referencing Sutton’s basketball player physique.

Of course, there’s also Sutton’s innate ability to track down long passes. It’s a skill he demonstrated from Day 1 after the Broncos drafted him in the second round of the 2018 draft.

“He just has a knack for it,” Broncos wide receivers coach Keary Colbert said during the week. “Sometimes it just falls on the individual and who they are just naturally. Some of the things they can’t even explain. If you ask him, he’s just making a catch.”

At this point, right tackle Mike McGlinchey is not shocked by any of Sutton’s catches. He thought Sutton’s touchdown reception against the Bills was “out of control” and added that the catch against Los Angeles “is not bad, either.”

“(Sutton) is one of those that you look at him and you’re like ‘He can pick whatever sport he wants to and be good at it,’” McGlinchey said. “He’s so talented and just as responsible for our success as anybody (on the team) has been this year.”

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Heroes

Ja’Quan McMillian: The Broncos second-year cornerback is special. Seemingly every week, he makes a big play. In the first quarter, McMillian was like a speeding bullet off the edge as he sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. He almost had a strip sack that was returned for a touchdown in the second quarter but the officials ruled the ball incomplete. Still, the play forced Los Angeles to punt. No one predicted McMillian would be one of the Broncos’ best defensive backs. But that’s the reality we are living in right now.

Jonathon Cooper: Denver’s outside linebacker gave his team the jumpstart it needed. With 5:07 to go in the first quarter, edge rusher Baron Browning tipped Herbert’s pass at Los Angeles’ 12-yard line before Cooper picked it off. Right after the turnover, running back Javonte Williams scored on a 3-yard rushing touchdown and the Broncos never looked back.

Courtland Sutton: It’s too easy for the Broncos wide receiver. In the third quarter, Sutton added another insane highlight reel catch to his resume when he caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson with one-hand. Making the grab even more impressive: defensive back Michael Davis was draped all over him. No matter, he made the touchdown grab with ease.

Zeros

Brandon Staley: What was the Chargers’ head coach thinking? Los Angeles had two chances to kick a field goal but the team decided to go for it on fourth down and failed on both attempts. The Chargers were in the red zone after Wilson’s interception in the first quarter but Herbert’s fourth down pass to tight end Gerald Everett fell incomplete. Los Angeles faced a fourth-and-2 from Denver’s 29 yard line in the second when Herbert threw another incomplete pass. All told, the Chargers finished 1 of 6 on fourth down. Just take the points, coach.

Jerry Jeudy: The Broncos wide receiver had a second quarter to forget. First, Wilson threw a deep pass to Jeudy, who spun around multiple times before dropping the ball near the sideline. Later, Wilson targeted Jeudy down the field but he couldn’t make the catch with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in coverage. With 17 seconds left in the half, Jeudy’s 5-yard touchdown catch was overturned because he couldn’t get two feet inbounds. After Wilson missed Jeudy a few times last week against the Texans, the former Alabama star was targeted six times on Sunday and finished with just two catches for 16 yards.

Fabian Moreau: Denver’s veteran cornerback has been solid this season, but in the fourth quarter, he got burnt by wide receiver Quentin Johnston on a 57-yard reception. A few plays later, Los Angeles scored on a rushing touchdown from running back Austin Ekeler.

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Live updates

FINAL | Broncos 24, Chargers 7

Ja’Quan McMillian still couldn’t believe his misfortune after the game. He thought he had a touchdown. No, not thought. “I know I did,” he said with a smile.

The grin, of course, came easily despite the fact that he’ll never watch tape of this game and believe Easton Stick’s hand was moving forward when McMillian rocked him, jarred the ball loose, picked it up on his own and ran it into the end zone. The grin came easily because the Broncos’ bottle rocket of a nickelback is writing himself a starring role in this defense’s Hollywood turnaround story.

A 24-7 win here against the Los Angeles Chargers marked the Broncos’ first divisional road triumph in 1,526 days but also the team’s sixth victory in their past seven games. It came on the strength of a defense embodied by its short-in-stature-only nickel, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

More Broncos coverage:

• PHOTOS: Denver Broncos trample Los Angeles Chargers 24-7 in NFL Week 14.
• Kiszla: It’s a horse race! The hot breath of the Broncos now on the neck of Patrick Mahomes in AFC West.
• Russell Wilson on Broncos WR Courtland Sutton: “He can catch everything.”
• Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy focused on team’s roll after frustrating outing: “I’m always confident.”
• Broncos RG Quinn Meinerz taken to hospital out of precaution after elevated heart rate, source says.
• Broncos report card: Dominant outing for Vance Joseph’s defense gives Denver offense time to get rolling in win vs. Chargers.
• Heroes and Zeros from Broncos’ 24-7 win over Chargers: Ja’Quan McMillian just keeps making plays.
• Broncos four downs: Russell Wilson sticks fork in Brandon Staley, Chargers. Raiders stick fork in themselves. Playoffs? Heck, yeah, we’re talking playoffs.

Fourth-quarter updates

Stop! They’re already dead. (5:24 p.m.): P.J. Locke just strip sacked Easton Stick. Josey Jewell recovered. Denver ball. But they’re taking kneels now. — Joe Nguyen

Ballgame (5:13 p.m.): Denver just faked out Los Angeles on that play. Russell Wilson fakes a hand off to Javonte Williams and then finds a wide-open Adam Trautman for a 10-yard touchdown. Broncos 24, Chargers 7 with 3:11 to go. — Joe Nguyen 

Tremendous drive from the Broncos.

4 for 4 on third down, punctuated by the easiest TD pass Russell Wilson will have all season to Adam Trautman. — Matt Schubert

Taking it home (5:13 p.m.): The Broncos are now 3 for 3 on this putaway drive. Impressive stuff from Russell Wilson on third down. — Matt Schubert

Run, Russ, run (5:09 p.m.): Another third-down conversion from Wilson, this time with his legs. The clock is running and the Broncos lead 17-7 with less than six minutes left. This thing is done. — Matt Schubert

Big third-down conversion (5:07 p.m.): Critical third-and-long conversion from Russell Wilson to Adam Trautman, who shed a tackler to give the Broncos a first down in Chargers territory. At this point, why throw the ball again? — Matt Schubert

Javonte with a statement (5:04 p.m.): The Chargers have built up momentum, but Denver answered with a 20-yard gain up the gut by Javonte Williams on the first play of the drive. — Joe Nguyen

Chargers with life (5 p.m.): Huge gain by the Chargers after Easton Stick connected Quentin Johnston for a 57-yard gain. The drive was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by Colorado’s own Austin Ekeler. Broncos 17, Chargers 7 with 10:37 to go in the game. — Joe Nguyen

The Broncos will NOT get a shutout today. Yes, the Chargers just scored quickly. But they also have just one timeout left and does anyone really believe they can do that again? — Matt Schubert

Meinerz hospitalized (4:57 p.m.): Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz exited Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers because of concern about chest tightness and an elevated heart rate, a source told The Denver Post on Sunday. Read the full story. — Parker Gabriel

Injury update (4:55 p.m.): Locke and McMillian are back on the field. — Ryan McFadden

Defensive collision (4:50 p.m.): Broncos safety PJ Locke and cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian went down after colliding into each other on that fourth down play. Both players were able to walk off the field. — Ryan McFadden

Third-quarter analysis — Broncos 17, Chargers 0

Matt Schubert, sports editor: If ever there was a fourth quarter that didn’t need to be played, it’s this one. We all know how this is going to play out. A 17-0 lead on this Chargers team feels like 34-0. As great as the Broncos defense has been, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has been just as awful. Sure feels like this might be the last time we see him on the L.A. sideline.

Third-quarter updates

Sutton’s magical hands (4:40 p.m.): He wasn’t in on the play, but Courtland Sutton catches everything. Russell Wilson threw it away, but Sutton — with a hand on his hip on the sidelines — effortless caught the pass one handed.

By the way, his last touchdown was his 10th on the season. It’s the 22nd time a Broncos player has caught at least 10 touchdowns in a season and first since 2014 when Thomases Julius and Demaryius each had at least 10. — Joe Nguyen

Struggling offense (4:35 p.m.): If you think the Chargers are bad, take a look at the Vikings-Raiders score in Las Vegas. — Matt Schubert

Touchdown, Broncos (4:24 p.m.): Russell Wilson had all day in the pocket to make that throw. He connected with, who else, Courtland Sutton on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Add another one for Sutton’s highlight reel. Broncos 17, Chargers 0 with 5:55 to go. — Joe Nguyen

How does he keep doing this @SuttonCourtland | : CBS pic.twitter.com/xlRoH9GGBk

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Courtland Sutton is insane. — Ryan McFadden

Courtland Sutton … all he does is catch touchdowns. — Matt Schubert

Standing tall (4:19 p.m.): The Chargers, on fourth-and-inches, could not convert. Denver’s defense stopped the run play. The Broncos will get the ball on their own 40-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Brandon Staley keeps rolling the dice on fourth down, and the Broncos defense keeps making him look like a fool for doing it. The L.A. postgame presser is gonna be … interesting.

The best thing the Broncos defense can do is present Brandon Staley with a fourth-and-short situation. — Matt Schubert

The Broncos defense is making this as easy as possible for their offense and making the decision for Dean Spanos as easy as possible as it relates to Brandon Staley’s job performance. — Parker Gabriel

Quinn Meinerz injury (4:14 p.m.): Broncos RG Quinn Meinerz (illness) is also out the rest of the game, per the team. — Parker Gabriel

Bonitto update (4:12 p.m.): OLB Nik Bonitto (knee) has been downgraded to OUT, per the team. — Parker Gabriel

Defensive reliance (4:11 p.m.): With the way the Broncos D is playing, punting is winning for the rest of the afternoon. Just don’t turn the ball over and get out of L.A. with a W. — Matt Schubert

Third-quarter issues (4:06 p.m.): If the Broncos don’t go three-and-out here, is it considered an early Christmas miracle? — Parker Gabriel

Justin Herbert update (4:05 p.m.): Justin Herbert has been ruled OUT for the rest of the game.

Time for some really, really, really conservative play-calling from the Broncos. — Matt Schubert

Halftime analysis — Broncos 10, Chargers 0

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos’ defense is doing whatever they want to the Chargers. After Wilson struggled to get the ball to Jeudy last week, he has targeted the wideout quite a bit in the first half. However, Jeudy has failed to deliver.

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Jerry Jeudy’s had better days. The Chargers might be bad enough that it doesn’t matter, but still, not great for Denver’s fourth-year wide receiver.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: If Jerry Jeudy is going to produce the same sort of closing kick he had to finish last season, he needs to have one heck of a second half. The Broncos lead 10-0 but drops and missed opportunities have kept the Chargers in this game.

Second-quarter updates

Field goal, Broncos (3:50 p.m.): Denver settles for a 23-yard field goal. Broncos 10, Chargers 0 with five seconds left in the half. — Joe Nguyen

Now, instead of 14-0 at the half, the Broncos take a 10-0 lead into the break. The good news (kinda)? They get the ball to start the second half. — Matt Schubert

No touchdown, Broncos (3:48 p.m.): Uh oh. Looks like that Jerry Jeudy TD catch is coming back.

What a dreadful first half for Jerry Jeudy. He HAS to know where he’s at on the field and get that second foot down. That’s a routine catch for an NFL wide receiver. — Matt Schubert

Krull gains (3:46 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with tight end Lucas Krull for a 35-yard gain. It was Krull’s first NFL reception. — Joe Nguyen

It’s Perine time (3:43 p.m.): Is there such a thing as a closer in football? The Broncos open their drive with three straight plays to Samaje Perine. — Joe Nguyen

No touchdown (3:41 p.m.): The call was overturned. Chargers punt instead. — Joe Nguyen

Overturned. Gene Steratore seems to like it. Not entirely sure I agree. — Matt Schubert

McMillianaire (3:38 p.m.): Ja’Quan McMillian with a (surprise, surprise) big play. Strip sack into a touchdown. The play is under review right now. — Joe Nguyen

Ja’Quan McMillian … again! Strip sack, fumble recovery and touchdown return! All by himself. — Matt Schubert

Is Ja’Quan McMillian a Pro Bowler? — Ryan McFadden

It’s Easton Stick time (3:36 p.m.): Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went back to the locker room. Backup Easton Stick is in now. Herbert has a finger injury and is questionable to return. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos now at three consecutive punts for the Broncos. And, yet, it feels like Denver is in complete control

Especially with Justin Herbert in the locker room getting treatment. Easton Stick, the North Dakota State product, is on the field in a really big spot. — Matt Schubert

Out of bounds? (3:34 p.m.): Sean Payton thought Perine got tackled out of bounds and he made his displeasure very clear to the officiating crew. — Matt Schubert

Spin-a-roonie (3:31 p.m.): Tight end Adam Trautman with a nice spin move after the catch. But it doesn’t count. Courtland Sutton was called with offensive pass interference. — Joe Nguyen

Defense stands (3:27 p.m.): Great pressure from Jonathon Cooper on Herbert, who throws an incomplete pass on fourth down. Chargers were called for illegal shift but Denver declined the call.

Broncos are back on offense. — Ryan McFadden

Feels like the Broncos defense pulled a Jedi mind trick allowing the Chargers to get just close enough to convince them to go for it on fourth down. L.A. now 0 for 2 on fourth down. This game could be 7-6. Instead, it’s still 7-0, Broncos. — Matt Schubert

Sack No. 4 (3:25 p.m.): Is this 2015? The Broncos have their fourth sack on the first half. Josey Jewell joins the party. — Joe Nguyen

Third-down woes (3:21 p.m.): The Broncos are now 1 of 4 on third down, which is currently OK because it isn’t as bad as the Chargers’ 0 for 5. — Matt Schubert

Missed opportunity (3:19 p.m.): Bad throw by Russell Wilson. Kinda bad drop by Jerry Jeudy. A deep ball that would’ve had the Broncos on the doorstep once again, instead falls incomplete and now the Broncos are punting again. — Matt Schubert

Low-scoring affair (3:18 p.m.): The way this game is looking, no one will score 20 points. — Ryan McFadden

Wide open. And missed. (3:14 p.m.): Russell Wilson had a wide-open Jerry Jeudy. It just went through his arms. That would’ve got the Broncos inside the 5-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

At least it’s double digits (3:12 p.m.): Justin Herbert’s QB rating at the moment: 10.4. — Matt Schubert

Sack party (3:08 p.m.): Denver got its third sack after Alex Singleton got to Justin Herbert. He couldn’t bring him down, but Zach Allen sure did. — Joe Nguyen

Alex Singleton looks motivated. — Matt Schubert

Justin Herbert is straight up not having a good time so far today. — Parker Gabriel

Zach Allen’s fifth sack of the season forces the Chargers to punt. Los Angeles is 0-for-5 on third down. — Ryan McFadden

Punt (3:03 p.m.): After a quarterback sneak to gain the first down on the second to last play of the first quarter, the Broncos gained just 3 yards in their next two plays. Riley Dixon punts it. — Joe Nguyen

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Chargers 0

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver is playing solid defense. The group had two sacks and three quarterback hits in the opening frame. Chargers have played some bad football, man. Still puzzled about them going for it on fourth down in the red zone instead of taking the points.

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos defense showed up with a bad attitude today. The Chargers showed up … bad all around.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Well, this is exactly the version of the Chargers the Broncos wanted to show up to SoFi. Denver’s ability to score a TD off its takeaway while the Chargers completely squandered theirs is essentially a 10-point swing. Given what we’ve seen from Justin Herbert and the Broncos defense so far today, that feels like a game-deciding swing.

First-quarter updates

Bonitto injury update (2:59 p.m.): Bonitto just got carted into the locker room after being ruled questionable to return with a knee injury. — Ryan McFadden

Nik Bonitto injury (2:52 p.m.): Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto just limped off the field with a trainer. — Ryan McFadden

Big sack (2:51 p.m.): Ja’Quan McMillian joins the sack party. His sprint off the left tackle got to Justin Herbert. He splits the sack with Nik Bonitto. — Joe Nguyen

Every week, Ja’Quan McMillian makes a play on defense. — Matt Schubert

Jonathon Cooper injury (2:49 p.m.): Following his interception, Jonathon Cooper is being evaluated in the injury tent. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Broncos (2:47 p.m.): One play later, Javonte Williams runs in his first touchdown run in two years. 205 carries between scores.

So, for those scoring at home: Both defenses get a takeaway inside the other team’s 20. The Broncos turn it into seven. The Chargers get zero. This is why the Chargers are the Chargers. — Matt Schubert

Took advantage.

: CBS | @javontewill33 pic.twitter.com/PIiNn4ZVdO

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Defensive lineman interception (2:46 p.m.): Justin Herbert threw a pass that was batted by Baron Browning and snagged by Jonathon Cooper. Broncos with the ball at the 3-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Tipped & picked!!!!

: CBS
pic.twitter.com/eiNEG9UMDd

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Team Takeaway returns. Baron Browning tip. Jonathon Cooper pick. And now the Broncos have the ball inside the Chargers 10. — Matt Schubert

Puts the specials in team (2:45 p.m.): Riley Dixon has been pretty solid for the last couple of weeks now. He hits a wedge shot from midfield to pin the Chargers inside their own 10. — Matt Schubert

Defense to the rescue (2:39 p.m.): As has been the case since Week 6: Vance Joseph’s team rises to the occasion when its called upon. They’ve bailed out Sean Payton’s offense far more frequently than the reverse. — Parker Gabriel

Fourth-and-nothing (2:37 p.m.): On fourth-and-3 at the Denver 6, the Chargers went for it. Justin Herbert could not connect with Gerald Everett. Broncos ball. — Joe Nguyen

Then the Chargers up the ante and go full Chargers with a fourth-and-short misfire from Justin Herbert. No points as the Broncos dodge an early bullet and now Javonte Williams has the Broncos on the move. — Matt Schubert

Bad error (2:36 p.m.): Welp, this is exactly the sort of start that this version of the Broncos absolutely has to avoid. Early giveaway that will almost assuredly lead to points for the Chargers. — Matt Schubert

Casa Bonitto (2:35 p.m.): Nik Bonitto is one fast man. Tackle for a loss of 2 on Los Angeles’ first play of that drive. — Joe Nguyen

Rough start (2:32 p.m.): That’s almost assuredly going to be a Russell Wilson interception. Marvin Mims Jr. never had control of that ball. — Matt Schubert

we'll take that

: @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/YtHYXlySPp

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 10, 2023

Empty backfield at the nine-yard line on first down? — Ryan McFadden

Big sack (2:29 p.m.): Alex Singleton ran down Justin Herbert on third down to force the Chargers to punt on their opening drive. Denver will start on its own 9-yard line after a holding call on the punt. — Joe Nguyen

.@alexsingleton49 with the sack!

: CBS pic.twitter.com/1OFMyU7I5q

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 10, 2023

Alex Singleton out for redemption after last week’s four-point flub. Off to a good start with a sack to end the Chargers’ first drive of the game. — Matt Schubert

Coin toss (2:24 p.m.): Denver wins the toss and defers. Chargers will get the ball to start the game. — Ryan McFadden

Pre-game updates

In other games (1:51 p.m.): If you’re scoreboard watching today, it’s been a chaotic early slate of games for the back part of the AFC playoff race. Jets doing Denver a solid and leading Houston so far today. 6-6 Cincinnati is rolling over 7-5 Indy. 7-5 Cleveland’s up two scores over 8-4 Jacksonville.

If those scores hold, there will be four teams at 7-6, with Denver and Buffalo (at KC) each aiming to join the party this afternoon. — Parker Gabriel

Inactives (12:59 p.m.): Perine is indeed active. Bit of a scare with the knee issue forcing him to miss practice altogether on Friday, but he passed the pregame test and is good to go.

Denver’s inactive list:

• RB Tyler Badie
• OLB Thomas Incoom
• OLB Ronnie Perkins
• S JL Skinner
• C Alex Forsyth
• TE Nate Adkins
• DL Elijah Garcia

— Parker Gabriel

Next man up (12:21 p.m.): If Perine is unavailable, the Broncos elevated running back Tyler Badie from the practice squad. — Ryan McFadden

Good morning from SoFi Stadium (12:14 p.m.): The Broncos face a critical road test today against the Chargers. They need to stack AFC wins down the stretch in order to stay in the playoff mix. RB Samaje Perine (knee) is questionable, but he just worked out on the field and Denver is hopeful that he’ll be available to play, at least in some capacity.

Other than that, Denver is about as healthy as anybody could ask for this time of year. Perine’s status and the Broncos’ inactive list will be made official 90 minutes before kickoff. — Parker Gabriel

Scouting report (noon): 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 21

Denver was its own biggest enemy in a loss last weekend at Houston. With a similar style game on tap — indoor stadium, an opponent that struggles to defend the pass — Sean Payton finds just enough patience to stick with the run plan and Russell Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over three times. Unless they really fail against Khalil Mack. … Yeah, it’s not likely to be easy.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

The Broncos will get back into the win column and improve their playoff chances. It’s a divisional matchup, so things are going to be close. But I can see Sean Payton leaning on the run and using the play-action game to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense. Denver doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs if it can’t beat Los Angeles.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Chargers 20

Somebody get the shepherd’s crook for Bolts coach Brandon Staley before he wastes any more peak years of Justin Herbert’s career. The Broncos’ pass-protection issues make you nervous in this one, granted, which is only one more reason why Sean Payton needs to let somebody other than Russ do the cooking.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 16

In Broncos Country takeover of Sofi Stadium, Denver beats the team the City of Angels never wanted. And Russell Wilson out-performs Justin Herbert, the most overrated player in the NFL.

Broncos-Chargers NFL Week 14: Must-reads

Task No. 1 for Broncos’ offensive front Sunday: Slow down Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who at 32 is “playing out of his mind”

By most general metrics, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense isn’t particularly daunting. It ranks No. 24 overall in estimated points added per play and is relatively balanced against the pass (No. 23) and against the run (No. 20). Brandon Staley’s defense, however, does two things really well: Win third down and get after opposing quarterbacks.

Those two, of course, end up being related when teams are forced to throw the ball on third down. The Chargers are tied for third in the NFL with 41 sacks. Even in recent weeks without star defensive end Joey Bosa (on injured reserve with a foot injury), they’ve been able to generate heat. L.A. had two sacks against Baltimore on Nov. 27 and five last week in a 6-0 shutout win against New England.

The driving force: Who else but veteran Khalil Mack. The 32-year-old is putting together one of the most productive years of his storied career, racking up 15 sacks through the Chargers’ first 12 games. He’s at 99.5 for his career, so the next one will tip the register into triple digits. The Broncos will have a big task on their hands if they’re to keep him from hitting the milestone Sunday, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

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Perine was a full participant at practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being held out on Friday afternoon.

He is the only player with a game designation, as every other player is healthy and good to go for the Broncos’ crucial road game.

If Perine is unable to play, that’s a significant loss for the Broncos. The former Washington and Cincinnati running back has been a key target for quarterback Russell Wilson. Through 12 games, the 28-year-old has 35 catches for a career-best 342 receiving yards while averaging 9.8 yards per catch.

For the Chargers, wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ruled) has been ruled out after being a limited participant for two straight days. Palmer, who has 377 receiving yards and a touchdown, hasn’t played since Week 8.

Cornerback Deane Leonard (ankle/heel) will also be sidelined after starting in the last two games for Los Angeles.

Surtain named NFLPA Community MVP: Third-year cornerback Pat Surtain II was named the Week 14 NFLPA Community MVP after he surprised two Title I high schools with grants totaling $100,000 to build his foundation’s first two “Inspiration STEAM Rooms.”

​​The NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice. In return, Surtain will take part in a virtual or in-person visit to a school or children’s hospital.

“The main thing for me is what legacy I left out there (for) my community,” Surtain told The Denver Post. “I want to leave a forever-lasting impact.”

Surtain’s award comes after left tackle Garett Bolles was selected as the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Putting the script together: Head coach Sean Payton doesn’t know what the second-half script looks like. He didn’t even have the first half script put together Friday afternoon, he said to gathered media after practice.

His process behind scripting out plays for games starts on Saturdays, when he lays out the first 15 plays of the game before team meetings. Payton said he waits until halftime to plan out the second-half script.

“I’ll put five or six plays together at halftime and then have my banana and go (use the restroom),” Payton said.

Whatever his process is, it hasn’t worked very well so far this season.

Denver had another brutal opening drive to start the third quarter last week in Houston, when Wilson was sacked twice before the Broncos had to punt the ball. It’s become a common theme this year. The Broncos have opened the second half with the ball 10 times, with those drives producing eight punts, a missed field goal and a blocked field goal.

Payton mentioned after Denver’s 22-17 loss to the Houston Texans that he would consider creating a second script between the second quarter and the start of the third quarter.

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When: 2:25 p.m. MT Sunday

Where: SoFi Stadium

Radio/TV: 850 AM, 94.1 FM/CBS

Broncos-Chargers series: The Broncos are 70-55-1 in 126 regular-season games dating back to 1960; the Broncos won 31-28 in the last meeting, on Jan. 8, in Denver, but have lost two of three to their divisional rival.

In the spotlight

It felt like Inglewood, California, at the Broncos training facility on Thursday afternoon.

It was 65 and sunny. The Chargers’ logo was painted on the practice field while songs from SoCal musicians Kendrick Lamar, YG, Nipsey Hussle and Dr. Dre blasted through the speakers as the team practiced.

As he so often does for road games, Broncos head coach Sean Payton was trying to set the tone for his team’s divisional matchup at Los Angeles on Sunday. If listening to Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.” is key to beating the Chargers and ending an 11-game road losing streak to AFC West opponents, then turn up the volume.

“The reason sometimes the division is more important is because your first goal is to win the division,” Payton said. “Everything we’re doing today — the attention to detail and making sure we know this team and opponent well — all those things matter.”

Denver has not won a division game on the road since October 2019, when it defeated the Chargers, 20-13. At the time, quarterback Justin Herbert was a senior at Oregon, and USC’s Caleb Williams was still in high school and not a generational NFL prospect.

Since then, the Broncos have experienced nothing but pain whenever they hit the road to face an AFC West foe. Denver has allowed 23.7 points in divisional road games since 2019. More alarming has been the Broncos’ inability to win tight contests away from Mile High, with two of their last three divisional road matchups being decided by three points.

Even though the Chargers have lost three of their last four, Denver’s recent history has proven that this trip will not be a cakewalk. Last season, Los Angeles defeated the Broncos, 19-16, in overtime at SoFi Stadium. The deciding moment was Montrell Washington’s fumbled punt in Broncos territory — an error that essentially handed the Chargers a victory in an overtime that featured zero first downs. In 2021, Denver lost to the Chargers by 21 points on the road. The year before that? Another narrow 19-16 loss that saw a last-ditch Broncos comeback attempt from 13 points down fall short when Michael Badgley kicked the game-winner with 41 seconds remaining.

Still, the Broncos are no strangers to breaking losing streaks. In October, they snapped a 16-game losing skid to the Kansas City Chiefs with a commanding victory at home. If Denver wants to keep its playoff hopes alive, this is the next streak that needs to fall.

“I believe that’s the team we are. And I think we can be even better. That’s the best part about it,” quarterback Russell Wilson said.

Who has the edge?

When Broncos run

Broncos starting running back Javonte Williams has been held under 50 rushing yards in two of the last three games. Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin has totaled 19 yards in two games. After a big game against Cleveland (seven carries, 55 yards), Samaje Perine had just three touches for 6 yards last week in Houston. The Chargers have allowed 161.8 rushing yards in their last four games. Edge: Broncos

When Broncos pass

Quarterback Russell Wilson has thrown for 200-plus yards four times this season but gets an opportunity against a Chargers secondary that’s second-to-last in passing yards allowed per game. Denver’s offensive line, which struggled to block Will Anderson Jr. last week in Houston, will have a challenge against Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack. The former Raiders and Bears standout has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league this season, with a career-best 15 sacks. Edge: Even 

When Chargers run

Los Angeles running back Austin Ekeler had 14 carries for 18 yards against the Patriots last week, continuing what’s been a disappointing season for the Eaton High product. Ekeler has never finished a season averaging fewer than 4.2 yards per carry but is currently at 3.5 this year. Denver has held opponents under 100 rushing in just four games, but the Broncos are coming off one of their better showings against the run this season after allowing just 89 yards last week in Houston. Edge: Broncos

When Chargers pass

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is first in receptions (102) and third in receiving yards (1,175) in the NFL. He totaled more than 100 receiving yards in three straight games before his streak ended last week at New England. The Broncos have generated pressure on 19.2% of dropbacks, ranking 27th in the league. Edge: Even 

Special teams

Broncos kicker Wil Lutz and the Chargers’ Cameron Dicker are ranked among the top 10 in field goal percentage. Lutz has converted 92.6% of his attempts, the eighth-best percentage in the league, while Dicker is sixth at 95%. Lutz is 3 for 4 on attempts for 50-plus yards. Edge: Broncos

Coaching

Head coach Brandon Staley leads a team consisting of quarterback Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and Khalil Mack. Yet, Los Angeles is 5-7, and Staley’s seat gets warmer each week. From lack of communication to poor use of timeouts, issues that plagued Denver earlier in the season re-emerged in a loss against the Texans. Edge: Broncos

Tale of the tape

By the numbers

4: Sacks recorded by Broncos defensive end Zach Allen.

131: Receiving yards for Broncos tight end Adam Trautman.

13: Rushing touchdowns allowed by the Chargers.

10: Touchdown passes Herbert has thrown against the Broncos in six career games.

Bet on it

Line: Chargers -3

The Chargers are the favorites but what has this team really done to trust them? Payton said in the offseason that he will be frustrated if Denver doesn’t make the playoffs. He’s not going to let Los Angeles stand in his way.

Prop bet: Over/under 44

Denver’s offense should have a better performance than last week, so it’s wise to take the over for this matchup.

Post predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

Denver was its own biggest enemy in a loss last weekend at Houston. With a similar style game on tap — indoor stadium, an opponent that struggles to defend the pass — Sean Payton finds just enough patience to stick with the run plan and Russell Wilson doesn’t turn the ball over three times. Unless they really fail against Khalil Mack. … Yeah, it’s not likely to be easy.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Chargers 21

The Broncos will get back into the win column and improve their playoff chances. It’s a divisional matchup, so things are going to be close. But I can see Sean Payton leaning on the run and using the play-action game to exploit Los Angeles’ pass defense. Denver doesn’t deserve to be in the playoffs if it can’t beat Los Angeles.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 22, Chargers 20

Somebody get the shepherd’s crook for Bolts coach Brandon Staley before he wastes any more peak years of Justin Herbert’s career. The Broncos’ pass-protection issues make you nervous in this one, granted, which is only one more reason why Sean Payton needs to let somebody other than Russ do the cooking.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 20, Chargers 16

In Broncos Country takeover of Sofi Stadium, Denver beats the team the City of Angels never wanted. And Russell Wilson out-performs Justin Herbert, the most overrated player in the NFL.

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With the Broncos sporting a 6-6 record and in the playoff hunt during the 14th week of the season, the vibes are a bit different this year.

Whether that produces a different result than the last time Locke and the Broncos were in this spot — at 6-6 under former head coach Vic Fangio in 2021 — will be determined starting with Sunday’s trip to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Chargers.

“We’ve raised the standard for ourselves and got to hold on to it,” Locke said.

Denver has injected life into its season, which looked lost back in October. Now that each game down the stretch matters, the Broncos have embraced the challenge and are hungry to make a push for the postseason.

“It means a lot. Being able to play high-level football at this time of the month is very important,” cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “We got a couple of tough games, so the main thing is winning our matchups.”

Playing football with playoff implications has been a rarity for the Broncos since Super Bowl 50. There’ve been four times when Denver had a .500 or better record through 12 games. But the Broncos fell flat each time.

Back in 2021 under Fangio, the Broncos improved to 7-6 after a commanding 38-10 win over the Detroit Lions. Then they lost the last four games to finish the season 7-10.

In 2018, the Broncos were 6-6 after winning three consecutive games under then-head coach Vance Joseph, then dropped four in a row.

The Broncos had promise in 2016 immediately after their Super Bowl season. They were 8-4 and winners of two of three, including a 25-23 victory over New Orleans, which was coached by Sean Payton at the time. But their playoff hopes evaporated when they dropped three of the last four, falling to 9-7.

“When I first got into coaching, a lot of the time teams would divide the season into quarters because it was 16 weeks. Now, it’s 17,” Payton said. “We’re in that last quarter pole, and there are a lot of teams that are kind of sitting where we are. This stretch will be important, and it’s pretty obvious.”

History isn’t on the Broncos’ side. At the same time, there’s reason for optimism even after a heartbreaking loss at Houston in Week 13.

For starters, four of Denver’s final five games are against teams with losing records. The Broncos play the Chargers (5-7) twice, starting Sunday. After they conclude their three-game road trip against the Detroit Lions (9-3) next week, the Broncos face the New England Patriots — a team that’s turned to backup Bailey Zappe to salvage its rocky quarterback situation and entered Thursday night 2-10. Denver will wrap up the season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders (5-7), who fired head coach Josh McDaniels earlier this fall and are now led by interim Antonio Pierce.

Denver is in good health and has played solid football as of late. But more importantly, there’s a sense of belief within the roster after overcoming a 1-5 start.

“We have been 5-1 in the past six games. We can’t forget that,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “We have five games to go, and we got a lot of confidence in this locker room and who we are.”

Locke said the Broncos’ five-game win streak proved to them that they can overcome any challenge that’s in front of them.

Throughout the streak, Locke said Payton and the coaching staff shared their stories of overcoming adversity in the NFL.

Denver has a 21% chance of making the postseason, according to the New York Times. But this Broncos team couldn’t care less about the odds.

“We’ve been through it before, and we saw that we could (handle) it,” Locke said. “This is the same situation.”

Here’s an interesting conundrum — or opportunity, depending on how you look at it. Four of the Broncos’ final five games feature opponents that currently rank in the bottom 12 of the league in pass defense efficiency. So, too, were the Texans. Denver still ended up running the ball 30 times against Houston, though some of that was due to called passes that quarterback Russell Wilson turned into rush attempts. Even still, you could sense the way in which Payton and the Denver offense wanted to attack down the field given Houston’s vulnerabilities on the back end. The big plays in the passing game returned, but so, too, did the turnovers.

This is a bit of a generalization — not going to ask you to script the first 15 plays of each of the next five games unless you’ve really got a hankering — but if you’re Payton, are you pushing the aggressiveness in the passing game or are you going back to, “let’s run the ball 35 times and try to win these things 17-13?” Some of the down-the-field stuff looks good, but somewhere between Houston and Minnesota’s probably the sweet spot.

Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat reporter: If I’m Payton, I’m sticking with what has worked for the offense this season. Sure, it’s not pretty but the Broncos were able to get the job done and that’s what matters. I think if Denver continues its run-heavy approach, it will open the door for those big passing plays. At 6-6, Denver has no room for error. The Broncos have an uphill climb to make the playoffs so this isn’t the best time to change their approach, especially when running the ball 30-plus times seems to have worked. The way the Broncos’ defense has played lately, the offense can afford to stay patient. The big passing plays are sexy and get the people going. I’m not saying abandon it, but why turn away from your bread and butter?

If the Broncos continue to be more aggressive in the passing game moving forward, this could be an opportunity for rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. He is arguably the team’s best deep ball threat as well as Courtland Sutton so it would be interesting to see if his role increases.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: What’s the adage about doing the same thing over and over again, while expecting a different result, being the definition of insanity? Over the Broncos’ last 17 games, a span that covers two coaches and an interim, the squad’s 8-9. Among those 17, they’ve either by design or adjustment had to throw the ball at least 30 times in a game on eight different occasions.

You know how many of those eight tilts the Broncos won? One.

Now some of those games had to be chased, for one reason or another, forcing Russell Wilson to air it out. But Payton’s already found the formula, painful as it sometimes looks. Heck, our man Jerry Rosburg rolled out the formula late last year: Less Russ, More Us. No. 3’s good for end-of-half and end-of-game spurts. Two-minute drills. Otherwise, he’s just good enough to get ya beat. If the opposing defensive front forces seconds- and thirds-and-forevers, so be it. Sure, you’ve gotta be flexible. Of course, you’ve gotta mix it up. But if you’re leading with Wilson downfield as the offense’s main course and not a desert or a side dish? It’s your ulcer, pal.

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The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honors a player for his leadership on the field and in the community. Each team selects one nominee, and the national winner will be announced during NFL Honors on Feb. 8.

Bolles has made a consistent impact in the community during his time in Denver, being named the Broncos’ Community Impact Award winner in 2022 and a Broncos Community Ambassador in 2021.

Bolles’ community outreach has been geared toward providing mentorship to youth in the juvenile justice system. He is an active participant in a juvenile probation court mentorship program in Arapahoe County and has made regular visits to the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center.

As part of the mentorship program, Bolles attends monthly court hearings to show additional support. He also records personalized videos of encouragement based on letters submitted to him.

Outside of Bolles’ work for the juvenile justice system, he has his own foundation — the GB3 Foundation — that works with youth with learning disabilities.

Bolles, a first-round pick in 2017, was limited to five games last season due to injury but has been a stable presence on Denver’s offensive line in 2023, starting in all 12 games while allowing two sacks and 19 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

Bolles’ best game of the season came against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 when he didn’t allow star edge rusher Myles Garrett to record a sack.

Manning to receive Mizel Award: Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been named the recipient of the 2024 Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award, which recognizes the Hall of Famer’s contributions and commitment to the community, both on and off the field.

“Peyton Manning is a Denver icon. His influence and generosity have changed countless lives in our city,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said in a statement. “We are grateful that he came to Denver, and even more grateful that he stayed to make it his home.”

Manning’s PeyBack Foundation has supported numerous charitable organizations in the area, focusing on youth education, leadership and wellness. He will be honored at the Mizel Institute’s annual event on May 22, 2024.

“Peyton Manning’s impact on our community extends far beyond his incredible football career,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said. “His commitment to improving the lives of others has left a lasting impact on Colorado, and I am thrilled to celebrate his accomplishments with the Mizel Institute Community Enrichment Award.”

After two straight incompletions, Wilson and company faced a crucial third-and-goal for all the marbles. Wilson dropped back and was immediately pressured by edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.

Wilson managed to slip past Greenard and fire off a throw to tight end Lucas Krull in the end zone, where Houston safety Jimmie Ward jumped and recorded the game-sealing interception.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows all too well that the margin for error is thin when fighting for a playoff spot. And in Denver’s 22-17 loss to the Texans, the Broncos committed a few too many errors to survive it.

The Broncos’ attempt at a miracle highlighted communication issues that plagued the team throughout the afternoon.

Krull was never meant to be the hero. The Broncos had wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims Jr. on the field, but Payton said the players hadn’t shifted into their final formation before running their routes. Payton added that this led to the team playing “street ball” and Krull becoming the intended target.

“Communication has to improve, especially on the road,” Payton said. “Too many snaps where guys aren’t ready, or we didn’t get the shift, or we didn’t get the call. That’s troubling, especially this time of year.”

Perhaps Payton could’ve prevented the shift issues if he had a timeout before the game-ending play.

Denver reached Houston’s 22-yard line with three timeouts, and each one seemed to evaporate instantly. Payton elected to use the team’s first timeout after the two-minute warning because he wanted the right play on fourth down. The Broncos converted when running back Javonte Williams ran for a first down.

“We knew we had plenty of plays and time, so it wasn’t a timeout issue (or) a clock issue,” Payton said.

The second timeout came after Wilson threw an incomplete pass on third down. On fourth-and-2, Wilson ran up the middle for a 5-yard gain, but instead of spiking the ball, he used the final timeout.

Denver’s sixth loss of 2023 was littered with sloppy play and missed opportunities that could haunt the Broncos if they don’t take care of business in the final five games of the regular season.

Another costly play came in the second quarter. With 3:17 left in the half, The Broncos faced a fourth-and-1 when Wilson scrambled for a 3-yard gain to get the first down. Yes, Wilson did his job by keeping the drive alive, but he missed an even bigger play. Jeudy was uncovered on an over route and could’ve walked into the end zone for a touchdown had the ball come his way.

Even though Denver’s offensive line struggled on Sunday, the unit provided solid protection on that play, and Williams delivered a nice block on linebacker Christian Harris to give Wilson enough time.

The nine-time Pro Bowler failed to make the throw, and Jeudy was visibly frustrated. Eventually Denver settled for a field goal to cut the deficit to 13-3.

“That was a play where (Houston) dropped coverage, and (Jeudy) very easily was a viable target for a big play,” Payton said. “If you watch all of (the tape), holy cow, there are about two or three of those plays.”

Extra Points

• Broncos inside linebacker Alex Singleton has been a workhorse. Singleton played in every defensive snap for the ninth straight game, and he hasn’t come off the field since Week 3 against the Dolphins. Cornerback Pat Surtain II missed nine snaps due to his knee injury in the first quarter. Surtain eventually returned, but Sunday marked the first time this season that he didn’t play the entire game.

• Denver’s ability to force turnovers was essential to its win streak. The Texans, however, flipped the script. Houston’s defense picked off Wilson three times, as the veteran signal-caller threw at least three interceptions in a game for the sixth time in his career. Wilson totaled three interceptions last season in Denver’s disastrous 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas day.

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