Denver
Broncos
1-3
38
FINAL
14
Los Angeles
Chargers
2-2
AI Recap
AI RECAPIn a commanding performance, the Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 38-14 in Week 5 of the 2026 season. The victory was crucial for the Broncos as they continue to build momentum in their quest for a playoff spot, while the Chargers struggle to find their footing in a competitive AFC West.
Quarterback Bo Nix led the way for Denver, throwing for four touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite a strong effort from Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who amassed 366 passing yards, it was the Broncos' offensive efficiency that ultimately set the tone. RJ Harvey contributed on the ground with 39 rushing yards, but it was the air attack that truly propelled Denver to victory, with key receptions from the receiving corps.
Defensively, the Broncos made pivotal plays that shifted the momentum in their favor. Brandon Jones intercepted a pass, halting a potential Chargers scoring drive, while Akheem Mesidor's two sacks kept pressure on Herbert throughout the game. The turning point came in the second quarter when Jones' interception led to a quick touchdown for the Broncos, effectively swinging the game in their direction and setting the stage for a dominant second half.
Passing
| Player | Pos | ATT | CMP | CMP% | YDS | TD | INT | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | QB | 36 | 20 | 56% | 366 | 1 | 2 | 76.8 |
| Bo Nix | QB | 27 | 19 | 70% | 323 | 4 | 0 | 150.1 |
Rushing
| Player | Pos | ATT | YDS | YPC | YAC | TD | LNG | FUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Harvey | HB | 12 | 39 | 3.3 | 13 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| J.K. Dobbins | HB | 2 | 18 | 9.0 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 0 |
| Keaton Mitchell | HB | 4 | 8 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Bo Nix | QB | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Omarion Hampton | HB | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Brenen Thompson | WR | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Tee Higgins | WR | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ladd McConkey | WR | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Receiving
| Player | Pos | REC | YDS | YPR | YAC | TD | LNG | DROP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tee Higgins | WR | 9 | 211 | 23.4 | 42 | 1 | 36 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | WR | 4 | 105 | 26.3 | 66 | 1 | 86 | 0 |
| Evan Engram | TE | 5 | 79 | 15.8 | 24 | 1 | 21 | 0 |
| RJ Harvey | HB | 6 | 73 | 12.2 | 63 | 2 | 29 | 0 |
| Ladd McConkey | WR | 5 | 55 | 11.0 | 20 | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| Keaton Mitchell | HB | 2 | 48 | 24.0 | 54 | 0 | 33 | 0 |
| Brenen Thompson | WR | 4 | 36 | 9.0 | 17 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Troy Franklin | WR | 1 | 30 | 30.0 | 9 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Jack Westover | FB | 2 | 22 | 11.0 | 17 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| Oronde Gadsden | TE | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | — | 0 | 14 | 0 |
Defense
| Player | Pos | TKL | SACK | INT | FF | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ja'Quan McMillian | CB | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Jones | FS | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Akheem Mesidor | REDG | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alex Singleton | MIKE | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Nik Bonitto | REDG | 1 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Daiyan Henley | WILL | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Keyron Crawford | REDG | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zach Allen | DT | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Riley Moss | CB | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Derwin James Jr | SS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Shaq Thompson | WILL | 2 | 0.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Talanoa Hufanga | SS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Pat Surtain II | CB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Tarheeb Still | CB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Quay Walker | WILL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tony Jefferson | SS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Teair Tart | DT | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deane Leonard | CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| R.J. Mickens | FS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kris Abrams-Draine | CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Donte Jackson | CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tuli Tuipulotu | LEDG | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Barrett | DT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Genesis Smith | SS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Jahdae Barron | CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Marte Mapu | SAM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cam Hart | CB | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Kicking
| Player | Pos | FGM | FGA | XPM | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wil Lutz | K | 1 | 1 | 5 | 55 |
| Cameron Dicker | K | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |

