NFL Week 17 Game Recap: Denver Broncos 16, Los Angeles Chargers 6

The Denver Broncos pick up the win in a backup quarterback battle in the AFC West over the Los Angeles Chargers, moving to 8-8 on the season.

Offensive spotlight: With Russell Wilson benched prior to this game, it was up to Jarrett Stidham to lead the way for the Broncos, and he did just that, throwing for 224 yards on 20-for-32 passing, which included a touchdown. Lil’Jordan Humphrey provided the lone touchdown in this game on a 54-yard reception in the second quarter. Outside of that, all the Broncos needed for scoring was provided by three Wil Lutz field goals.

The Chargers also had three field goals in this game from kicker Cameron Dicker, but that was all of the scoring from Los Angeles in this one. Easton Stick was without Keenan Allen and Josh Palmer in this game, so he relied heavily on 2016 UDFA wide receiver Alex Erickson, who caught seven passes for 98 yards. Stick went 24-for-38 for 220 passing yards with no touchdowns. The Chargers went just two-for-11 on third downs in this game and just didn’t have the necessary spark to sustain many drives with so many top offensive players out of the lineup. Austin Ekeler provided the major

Defensive spotlight: Khalil Mack came into this game with 15 sacks on the year but had been held without one for three straight games — tying his longest drought of the season. Mack was able to end that drought in this game, delivering a sack that included six total tackles on the day. Derwin James, who had his role changed and was limited a bit last week, returned to his typical full-time safety role this week and had a strong performance that included two pass breakups, a sack and 12 total tackles.

Rookie spotlight: UDFA running back Jaleel McLaughlin has arguably been the most explosive runner for the Broncos this season, leading the team in yards per attempt (5.6) coming into this contest, and that continued for him this week. McLaughlin ran the ball eight times, delivering a team-leading 44 rushing yards at 5.5 yards per carry. 

Box Score

Passing

Rushing

Receiving