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Broncos–Chargers rivalry

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Broncos–Chargers rivalry
Broncos and Chargers face off during the 2010 season.
Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers
LocationDenver, Los Angeles
First meetingOctober 16, 1960
Chargers 23, Broncos 19[1]
Latest meetingOctober 13, 2024
Chargers 23, Broncos 16[1]
Next meetingDecember 22, 2024
StadiumsBroncos: Empower Field at Mile High
Chargers: SoFi Stadium
Statistics
Meetings total130[1]
All-time seriesBroncos: 73–56–1[1]
Regular season seriesBroncos: 72–56–1[1]
Postseason resultsBroncos: 1–0[1]
Largest victoryBroncos: 38–3 (1997)
Chargers: 58–20 (1963); 41–3 (2007)[1]
Longest win streakBroncos: 7 (1975–1978)
Chargers: 6 (1963–1966)[1]
Current win streakChargers: 1 (2024–present)[1]
Post-season history[1]

The Broncos–Chargers rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

All time score: Broncos 2644-2684 Chargers, as of Week 6 of the 2024 NFL Season.

Since the American Football League was established in 1960, the Broncos and Chargers have shared the same division, first being the AFL Western Conference, and since the AFL–NFL merger, both clubs have competed in the American Football Conference (AFC) West division.

The Broncos lead the overall series, 73–56–1. The two teams have met once in the playoffs, with the Broncos holding a 1–0 record.[1]

Notable moments

[edit]

1985–2006

[edit]
  • November 17, 1985: Broncos' safety Dennis Smith blocked two straight field goal attempts in overtime, after the Chargers had advanced the football to the Broncos' 23-yard line in the first overtime possession. On 4th and 4 from the Broncos' 23, Smith blocked Bob Thomas' initial field goal attempt, only to have it negated due to a timeout being called by teammate Mike Harden prior to the kick. Following the timeout, Thomas attempted a second kick; this was also blocked by Smith and returned by Louis Wright for a 60-yard touchdown for a 30–24 Broncos' overtime win at Mile High Stadium.[2][3]
  • September 4, 1994: The Broncos jumped out to a 24–6 lead at Mile High Stadium on the Chargers in the second quarter, however, the Chargers responded, and took a 27–24 lead at half time, after safety Stanley Richard returned a John Elway interception 99 yards for a touchdown just before halftime. The Chargers later sealed the victory after linebacker Junior Seau recovered a fumble by Elway in the game's closing seconds.[4]
  • September 14, 2003: The Broncos routed the Chargers 37–13 at Qualcomm Stadium. However, the game is notable for a uniform mix-up, in which the Broncos came to the stadium in their road white jerseys, when the host Chargers were planning to wear white, and were supposed to be the team that declared their uniform color. The Broncos were fined $25,000 as a result, and when the two teams met at Invesco Field at Mile High later that season in Week 11 (November 16), the NFL allowed the Chargers to choose their uniform color in advance, and they chose navy blue, forcing the Broncos to wear their white jerseys at home for the first time since 1983.[5]
  • December 10, 2006: The Chargers routed the Broncos 48–20 at Qualcomm Stadium, in which Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson set a new NFL record for touchdowns in a single season, with 28.[6]

2007–2011

[edit]
  • December 24, 2007: In the fourth quarter of a Monday night game at Qualcomm Stadium, Broncos' quarterback Jay Cutler was involved in a verbal scuffle with Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers and linebacker Matt Wilhelm, with Rivers taunting Cutler and Wilhelm mocking a "waving" gesture. Broncos' cornerback Champ Bailey took exception to Rivers' taunting of Cutler.[7]
  • September 14, 2008: With 52 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Chargers were leading 38–31 in Denver. The Broncos hiked the ball on 2nd-and-goal from the Chargers' 1-yard line. Jay Cutler rolled out to the right and fumbled the football before he brought his arm forward, which was recovered by Chargers' linebacker Tim Dobbins. However, referee Ed Hochuli called the play dead as he believed it to be an incomplete pass, so the ball was returned to the Broncos at the 10-yard line (the spot where the ball hit the ground). Two plays later, on 4th-and-goal from the 4, Cutler threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal to make the score 38–37. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game and send it to overtime, Broncos' head coach Mike Shanahan opted for a 2-point conversion. Cutler completed the conversion with another pass to Royal, giving the Broncos a 39–38 victory.[8]
  • December 28, 2008: The Broncos and Chargers met in the 2008 regular-season finale in San Diego, with the winner clinching the AFC West title. Three weeks earlier, the Broncos were 8–5 and the Chargers were 5–8, with the Broncos losing their next two games and the Chargers winning their next two to pull to within one game of the Broncos for the division lead. Three and a half months after the aforementioned controversial Broncos' win in Denver, the Chargers exacted revenge, with an emphatic 52–21 win that not only completed a monumental Broncos' season-ending collapse, but also denied the Broncos a playoff berth. The two teams finished the 2008 season tied for first-place in the AFC West, each with an 8–8 record, however, the Chargers won the division based on a better record against AFC West divisional opponents (5–1 to the Broncos' 3–3).[9] This was also Mike Shanahan's last game as the Broncos' head coach, as he was fired two days later after 14 seasons.[10]
  • November 27, 2011: Quarterback Tim Tebow led the Broncos to a 16–13 win at Qualcomm Stadium in overtime, with kicker Matt Prater nailing a 37-yard field goal with 29 seconds left. Earlier in overtime, the Broncos blocked a 53-yard attempt by Chargers' kicker Nick Novak, however, Broncos' head coach John Fox called a timeout prior to the kick. Novak subsequently missed the second attempt.[11]

2012–present

[edit]
  • October 15, 2012: Trailing 24–0 at halftime after back-to-back special teams turnovers and an interception returned for a touchdown, quarterback Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a stunning 35–24 comeback win in San Diego. Three second-half interceptions and two lost fumbles by Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers swung the momentum toward the Broncos' favor, as Manning and the Broncos capitalized on each Chargers' mistake. Manning went 13/14 for 167 yards and three touchdowns in the second half, hitting Demaryius Thomas on a 29-yard score with 10:56 left in the third quarter to get the Broncos on the scoreboard. Following a 65-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery by cornerback Tony Carter, the Broncos suddenly found themselves down only 10 as the Chargers watched their comfortable halftime lead dwindle. Manning added two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, finding Eric Decker on a 7-yard score and then connecting with Brandon Stokley on a 21-yard pitch and catch to give the Broncos a 28–24 lead with 9:03 left. Cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. sealed the comeback with a 46-yard interception return to put the Broncos up 35–24 with 2:06 left. The defense added one final takeaway as Rivers fumbled in the game's final minute to end what was certainly an instant Monday Night Football classic.[12]
  • January 12, 2014: In the first and only postseason meeting in the history of the rivalry, Denver defeated the Chargers in the AFC Divisional Round 24–17 to advance to the franchise's first AFC Championship Game since the 2005 season.[13] This was Peyton Manning's first of five playoff wins with the Broncos, as well as his first career playoff victory outside of Indianapolis. The Broncos, who honed a historically record-setting offense throughout the 2013 season, would go on to emerge victorious the following week in the AFC Championship Game by a score of 26–16 over the New England Patriots and advance to Super Bowl XLVIII, where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks 43–8.[14][15]
  • September 11, 2017: The Chargers were attempting a game-tying 44-yard field goal at Sports Authority Field at Mile High with five seconds left in the game, after trailing 24–7 to begin the fourth quarter. However, Chargers' placekicker Younghoe Koo's field goal attempt was blocked by Broncos' defensive end Shelby Harris for a Broncos' 24–21 win. Koo's initial field goal attempt was good, but it was nullified as the result of Broncos' head coach Vance Joseph calling a timeout in order to ice the kicker, forcing a second attempt.[16]
  • October 22, 2017: The Chargers shutout the Broncos by a score of 21–0. This was the Broncos' first shutout loss in 25 years, since the 1992 season. Chargers' wide receiver Travis Benjamin was instrumental in the victory with a 65 yard punt return for a touchdown and a 42 yard touchdown catch.[17]
  • November 18, 2018: The Chargers were leading 19–7 in the third quarter at StubHub Center, and were threatening to pull away from the Broncos. However, linebacker Von Miller swung the momentum in the Broncos' favor, with an interception of a screen pass by Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers, returning the football 40 yards to the Chargers' 18-yard line. This set up a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Royce Freeman to pull the Broncos to within a 19–14 deficit. Following a 2-yard touchdown by running back Phillip Lindsay (with an unsuccessful two-point attempt) and a go-ahead 30-yard field goal by Chargers' placekicker Michael Badgley, Broncos' quarterback Case Keenum engineered a game-winning drive, culminating in a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Brandon McManus as time expired, for a 23–22 Broncos' victory.[18]
  • December 1, 2019: After a 46-yard field goal by Chargers' placekicker Michael Badgley tied the score at 20–20 with only 14 seconds remaining at Empower Field at Mile High, the game appeared to be headed to overtime. However, instead of a kneel-down, Broncos' rookie quarterback Drew Lock, in his NFL debut, launched a deep pass attempt to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who drew a pass interference penalty on cornerback Casey Hayward at the Chargers' 35-yard line. This set up Broncos' placekicker Brandon McManus with the game-winning 53-yard field goal as time expired.[19]
  • November 1, 2020: The Broncos trailed 24–3 in front of limited capacity at Empower Field at Mile High, and were stymied by the Chargers' defense in the first half. Entering the third quarter, the Broncos had scored only two touchdowns in the previous ten quarters. However, running back Phillip Lindsay ignited a rally with a 55-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Drew Lock threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to draw the Broncos to within a 24–17 deficit early in the fourth quarter. After Lock's second touchdown pass—a 40-yarder to wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, coupled with two field goals by Chargers' placekicker Michael Badgley, the Broncos trailed 30–24 with 2:34 remaining in the game. The Broncos began their game-winning drive at their own 19-yard line. Following a pass interference penalty on Chargers' cornerback Brandon Facyson in the end zone on 4th-and-4 with one second remaining, Lock connected on a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver K. J. Hamler as time expired, coupled with placekicker Brandon McManus kicking the subsequent game-winning extra point.[20]
  • December 27, 2020: The Chargers and Broncos had their first matchup at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, won the game 19–16, as kicker Michael Badgley converted a 37-yard field goal with 41 seconds remaining and the Chargers' defense intercepted the Broncos' last-second Hail Mary pass.

Season-by-season results

[edit]
Denver Broncos vs. San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Season-by-Season Results[1]
1960s (Chargers, 15–5)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Overall series Notes
1960 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
23–19
Chargers
41–33
Chargers
2–0
Inaugural season for both franchises and the American Football League (AFL).
Last season until the 2017 season the Chargers played as a Los Angeles-based franchise.
Chargers lose 1960 AFL Championship.
1961 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
19–16
Chargers
37–0
Chargers
4–0
Chargers relocate to San Diego.
Chargers lose 1961 AFL Championship.
1962 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
30–21
Broncos
23–20
Chargers
4–2
1963 Tie 1–1 Broncos
50–34
Chargers
58–20
Chargers
5–3
Chargers win 1963 AFL Championship.
1964 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
31–20
Chargers
42–14
Chargers
7–3
Chargers lose 1964 AFL Championship.
1965 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
34–31
Chargers
35–21
Chargers
9–3
Chargers lose 1965 AFL Championship.
1966 Tie 1–1 Broncos
20–17
Chargers
24–17
Chargers
10–4
Last matchup at Balboa Stadium.
1967 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
38–21
Chargers
24–20
Chargers
12–4
Chargers open San Diego Stadium.
1968 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
47–23
Chargers
55–24
Chargers
14–4
1969 Tie 1–1 Broncos
13–0
Chargers
45–24
Chargers
15–5
1970s (Broncos, 13–6–1)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers Overall series Notes
1970 Chargers 1–0–1 Tie
17–17
Chargers
24–21
Chargers
16–5–1
As a result of the AFL–NFL merge, the Broncos and Chargers are placed in the American Football Conference (AFC) and the AFC West.
First and only tie game between both teams.
1971 Tie 1–1 Broncos
20–16
Chargers
45–17
Chargers
17–6–1
1972 Tie 1–1 Broncos
38–13
Chargers
37–14
Chargers
18–7–1
Chargers win 9 straight home games (1963–1972).
1973 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
30–19
Broncos
42–28
Chargers
18–9–1
1974 Tie 1–1 Broncos
27–7
Chargers
17–0
Chargers
19–10–1
1975 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
13–10(OT)
Broncos
27–17
Chargers
19–12–1
1976 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
26–0
Broncos
17–0
Chargers
19–14–1
1977 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
17–9
Broncos
17–14
Chargers
19–16–1
Broncos lose Super Bowl XII.
1978 Tie 1–1 Broncos
27–14
Chargers
23–0
Chargers
20–17–1
1979 Tie 1–1 Broncos
7–0
Chargers
17–7
Chargers
21–18–1
Broncos win nine straight home games (1971–1979).
1980s (Broncos, 12–8)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers Overall series Notes
1980 Tie 1–1 Chargers
30–13
Broncos
20–13
Chargers
22–19–1
1981 Tie 1–1 Broncos
42–24
Chargers
34–17
Chargers
23–20–1
Both teams finished with 10–6 records, but the Chargers clinched the AFC West based on a better division record, thereby eliminating the Broncos from playoff contention.
1982 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
23–3
Chargers
23–3
Chargers
25–20–1
Both meetings were played despite the players' strike which reduced the season to 9 games.
Chargers sweep the Broncos for the first time since the 1968 season.
1983 Tie 1–1 Broncos
14–6
Chargers
31–7
Chargers
26–21–1
1984 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
16–13
Broncos
16–13
Chargers
26–23–1
1985 Tie 1–1 Broncos
30–24(OT)
Chargers
30–10
Chargers
27–24–1
In Denver, Broncos block a potential Chargers' game-winning field goal and return it for a touchdown to win the game.
1986 Tie 1–1 Chargers
9–3
Broncos
31–14
Chargers
28–25–1
Broncos lose Super Bowl XXI.
1987 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
24–0
Broncos
31–17
Chargers
28–27–1
Broncos lose Super Bowl XXII.
1988 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
34–3
Broncos
12–0
Broncos
29–28–1
1989 Tie 1–1 Broncos
16–10
Chargers
19–16
Broncos
30–29–1
Broncos lose Super Bowl XXIV.
1990s (Broncos, 13–7)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers Overall series Notes
1990 Tie 1–1 Broncos
20–10
Chargers
19–7
Broncos
31–30–1
1991 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
27–19
Broncos
17–14
Broncos
33–30–1
1992 Tie 1–1 Broncos
21–13
Chargers
24–21
Broncos
34–31–1
1993 Tie 1–1 Broncos
34–17
Chargers
13–10
Broncos
35–32–1
1994 Tie 1–1 Chargers
37–34
Broncos
20–15
Broncos
36–33–1
Chargers lose Super Bowl XXIX.
1995 Tie 1–1 Broncos
30–27
Chargers
17–6
Broncos
37–34–1
1996 Tie 1–1 Chargers
28–17
Broncos
16–10
Broncos
38–35–1
1997 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
38–3
Broncos
38–28
Broncos
40–35–1
Broncos win Super Bowl XXXII.
1998 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
27–10
Broncos
31–16
Broncos
42–35–1
Broncos win Super Bowl XXXIII.
1999 Tie 1–1 Chargers
12–6
Broncos
33–17
Broncos
43–36–1
2000s (Broncos, 11–9)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers Overall series Notes
2000 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
38–37
Broncos
21–7
Broncos
45–36–1
Last matchup at the Mile High Stadium.
2001 Tie 1–1 Broncos
26–16
Chargers
27–10
Broncos
46–37–1
Broncos open Invesco Field at Mile High (now known as Empower Field at Mile High).
2002 Tie 1–1 Broncos
26–9
Chargers
30–27(OT)
Broncos
47–38–1
2003 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
37–8
Broncos
37–13
Broncos
49–38–1
In San Diego, Broncos accidentally brought their wrong jerseys, the white jerseys, to the game when the Chargers opted to wear their white jerseys. As punishment, the NFL allowed the Chargers to choose their uniform color for their matchup in Denver, and they chose navy blue, forcing the Broncos to wear their white jerseys at home for the first time since the 1983 season.
2004 Tie 1–1 Broncos
23–13
Chargers
20–17
Broncos
50–39–1
2005 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
20–17
Broncos
23–7
Broncos
52–39–1
2006 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
35–27
Chargers
48–20
Broncos
52–41–1
Chargers sweep the Broncos for the first time since the 1982 season.
2007 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
41–3
Chargers
23–3
Broncos
52–43–1
2008 Tie 1–1 Broncos
39–38
Chargers
52–21
Broncos
53–44–1
In Denver, a controversial officiating call helped the Broncos beat the Chargers.
Chargers victory clinched them the AFC West and eliminated the Broncos from playoff contention. Both teams finished with 8–8 records, but the Chargers clinched the AFC West based on a better division record.
2009 Tie 1–1 Chargers
32–3
Broncos
34–23
Broncos
54–45–1
2010s (Broncos, 14–7)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Overall series Notes
2010 Chargers 2–0 Chargers
35–14
Chargers
33–28
Broncos
54–47–1
As of November 20, 2024, this remains the most recent season sweep by the Chargers over the Broncos.
2011 Tie 1–1 Chargers
29–24
Broncos
16–13(OT)
Broncos
55–48–1
Both teams finish with 8–8 records, but the Broncos clinch the AFC West based on a better record versus common opponents.
2012 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
30–23
Broncos
35–24
Broncos
57–48–1
In San Diego, Broncos overtime a 24–0 halftime deficit.
2013 Tie 1–1 Chargers
27–20
Broncos
28–20
Broncos
58–49–1
Broncos lose Super Bowl XLVIII.
2013 Playoffs Broncos 1–0 Broncos
24–17
Broncos
59–49–1
First postseason matchup. AFC Divisional.
Broncos go on to lose Super Bowl XLVIII.
2014 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
35–21
Broncos
22–10
Broncos
61–49–1
2015 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
27–20
Broncos
17–3
Broncos
63–49–1
In San Diego, Broncos extend their consecutive road division games wins to 15 with their win, an NFL record.
In Denver, Broncos clinch the AFC West and the top seed in the AFC with their win.
Broncos win Super Bowl 50.
2016 Tie 1–1 Broncos
27–19
Chargers
21–13
Broncos
64–50–1
Last season the Chargers played as a San Diego-based team.
Chargers victory snapped the Broncos' 15 consecutive road division game wins, an NFL record.
2017 Tie 1–1 Broncos
24–21
Chargers
21–0
Broncos
65–51–1
Chargers relocate back to Los Angeles.
In Denver, Broncos block game-tying field goal attempt at the end of regulation to hold on for the win.
In Los Angeles, Chargers give Broncos their first shutout loss since the 1992 season.
2018 Tie 1–1 Chargers
23–9
Broncos
23–22
Broncos
66–52–1
In Los Angeles, Broncos' K Brandon McManus kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired.
2019 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
23–20
Broncos
20–13
Broncos
68–52–1
In Denver, Brandon McManus kicks a game-winning field goal as time expired.
2020s (Broncos, 5–4)
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers Overall series Notes
2020 Tie 1–1 Broncos
31–30
Chargers
19–16
Broncos
69–53–1
Chargers open SoFi Stadium.
In Denver, Broncos overcome a 24–3 deficit as QB Drew Lock throws a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
2021 Tie 1–1 Broncos
28–13
Chargers
34–13
Broncos
70–54–1
2022 Tie 1–1 Broncos
31–28
Chargers
19–16(OT)
Broncos
71–55–1
2023 Broncos 2–0 Broncos
16−9
Broncos
24–7
Broncos
73–55–1
2024 Chargers 1–0 Chargers
23–16
December 22 Broncos
73–56–1
Summary of Results
Season Season series at Denver Broncos at San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers Notes
AFL regular season Chargers 15–5 Chargers 6–4 Chargers 9–1
NFL regular season Broncos 67–41–1 Broncos 40–14–1 Tie 27–27
AFL and NFL regular season Broncos 72–56–1 Broncos 44–20–1 Chargers 36–28
NFL postseason Broncos 1–0 Broncos 1–0 no games AFC Divisional: 2013
Regular and postseason Broncos 73–56–1 Broncos 45–20–1 Chargers 36–28 Chargers have a 31–25 record in San Diego and currently have a 5–3 record in Los Angeles.

Wins of decades score:

Denver Broncos 5-1 Los Angeles Chargers, excluding the 2020s as the decade is not finished yet.

Connections between the teams

[edit]

Coaches

[edit]
Name Broncos' tenure Chargers' tenure
Craig Aukerman Defensive assistant, 2010 Assistant Special Teams coach, 2013–2016
Clancy Barone Tight ends coach, 2009, 2011–2014
Offensive line coach, 2010, 2015–2016
Tight ends coach, 2007–2008
Tim Brewster Tight ends coach, 2005–2006 Tight ends coach, 2002–2004
Assistant head coach, 2004
Jeff Davidson Guard, 1990–1993
Offensive line coach, 2017
Offensive line coach, 2016
John Fox Head coach, 2011–2014 Secondary coach, 1992–1993
Alex Gibbs Offensive line coach, 1984–1987
Assistant head coach/Offensive line coach, 1995–2003
Offensive line consultant, 2013
Offensive line coach, 1990–1991
Anthony Lynn Running back, 1993, 1997–1999
Assistant special teams coach, 2000–2002
Head coach, 2017–2020
Mike McCoy Offensive coordinator, 2009–2012, 2017 Head coach, 2013–2016
Ron Milus Secondary coach, 2000–2002 and 2011–2012 Secondary coach, 2013–present
Mike Nolan Special teams coach, 1987–1988
Linebackers coach, 1989–1992
Defensive coordinator, 2009
Linebackers coach, 2015
Wayne Nunnely Defensive line coach, 2009–2011 Defensive line coach, 1997–2008
John Pagano Outside linebackers coach, 2020–present Defensive assistant, 2002
Linebackers coach, 2003–2011
Defensive coordinator, 2012–2016
Dwain Painter Offensive assistant, 1997 Quarterbacks coach, 1994–1996
Wade Phillips Defensive coordinator, 1989–1992, 2015–16
Head coach, 1993–1994
Defensive coordinator, 2004–2006
Greg Williams Defensive backs coach, 2018 Assistant defensive backs coach, 2013–2015
Joe Lombardi Offensive Coordinator, 2023–present Offensive Coordinator, 2021-2022

Players

[edit]
Name Position(s) Broncos' tenure Chargers' tenure
Stephen Alexander Tight end 2005–2007 2002–2003
Jeremiah Attaochu Linebacker 2019–present 2014–2017
David Binn Long snapper 2011 (one game) 1994–2010
Marco Coleman Defensive end 2004–2005 1996–1998
David Diaz-Infante Center/Guard 1996–1998 1987
Dedrick Dodge Safety 1997 1998
Orlando Franklin Guard 2011–2014 2015–2016
Melvin Gordon Running back 2020–2022 2015–2019
Virgil Green Tight end 2011–2017 2018–2020
Chris Harris, Jr. Cornerback 2011–2019 2020–2021
Jacob Hester Fullback 2012 2008–2011
Quentin Jammer Cornerback/Safety 2013 2002–2012
Marlon McCree Safety 2008 2006–2007
Anthony Miller Wide receiver 1994–1996 1988–1993
Russell Okung Offensive tackle 2016 2017–present
Shaun Phillips Defensive end 2013 2004–2012
Adrian Robinson Linebacker 2013 (six games) 2013 (three games)
Dante Rosario Tight end 2011 2012
Eddie Royal Wide receiver/Return specialist 2008–2011 2012–2014
Neil Smith Defensive end 1997–1999 2000
Jimmy Spencer Cornerback 2000–2003[a] 1998–1999
Harry Swayne Offensive tackle 1997–1998 1991–1996
Maa Tanuvasa Defensive tackle 1995–2000 2001
Mitch Unrein Defensive tackle 2011–2014 2015
Louis Vasquez Guard 2013–2015 2009–2012
J. D. Walton Center 2010–2013 2015
Wes Welker Wide receiver/Return specialist 2013–2014 2004 (one game)
Jamal Williams Nose tackle 2010 1998–2009

Series leaders

[edit]

Statistics limited to Chargers-Broncos regular season games. Correct through 2023 season.

Broncos Chargers Ref
Passing yards John Elway – 6,548 Philip Rivers – 6,732 [21][22]
Rushing yards Floyd Little – 843 LaDainian Tomlinson – 1,487 [23][24]
Receiving yards Rod Smith – 1,400 Charlie Joiner – 1,324 [25][26]
Touchdowns Shannon Sharpe – 13 LaDainian Tomlinson – 20 [27][28]
Sacks Von Miller – 16 Leslie O'Neal11+12 [29][30]
Interceptions Steve Foley – 8 Joe Beauchamp – 10 [31][32]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Jimmy Spencer also worked as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Broncos in addition to playing during the 2003 season.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "All Matchups, Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers". Pro Football Reference.
  2. ^ Saccomano, Jim (October 3, 2007). "Broncos-Chargers Always Interesting". Denver Broncos. Retrieved October 3, 2007.
  3. ^ "On This Day in Broncos History: November 17". Mile High Report. November 17, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  4. ^ "Chargers Rally for 37-34 Victory : AFC: Trailing, 24-6, three touchdown passes by Humphries and a 99-yard interception return by Richard leads San Diego over Denver". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 5, 1994. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  5. ^ "End Zone Sports Charities" (PDF).
  6. ^ Bell, Jarrett (December 11, 2006). "Super Charger: L.T. sets single-season TD mark as Chargers clinch AFC West". USA Today. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  7. ^ "Broncos' Bailey not a fan of Rivers after talk during game". ESPN. December 27, 2007. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  8. ^ "Cutler finds Royal for late TD, two-point play to edge Chargers". ESPN. September 14, 2008. Archived from the original on March 5, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  9. ^ Caldwell, Gray (December 29, 2008). "End of the Road". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  10. ^ "Shanahan, Broncos Part Ways". Denver Broncos. December 30, 2008. Archived from the original on November 26, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  11. ^ Legan, Kenny (November 27, 2011). "Overtime Field Goal Caps Comeback". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  12. ^ Caldwell, Gray (October 16, 2012). "California Comeback". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  13. ^ Klis, Mike (January 12, 2014). "Manning, Broncos get past Chargers; set up AFC title game vs. Patriots". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
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  21. ^ "Most passing yards, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  22. ^ "Most passing yards, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  23. ^ "Most rushing yards, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  24. ^ "Most rushing yards, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  25. ^ "Most receiving yards, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  26. ^ "Most receiving yards, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  27. ^ "Most touchdowns, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  28. ^ "Most touchdowns, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  29. ^ "Most sacks, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  30. ^ "Most sacks, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  31. ^ "Most interceptions, Broncos vs. Chargers". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  32. ^ "Most interceptions, Chargers vs. Broncos". stathead.com. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
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