Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made the attempt, the longest free kick in NFL history and L.A. went into halftime trailing 21-13. L.A. eventually came back in the second half to win 34-27. For Harbaugh, it was a joyous opportunity and moment.

The Broncos took an 11-point lead in the third quarter but gave up three unanswered touchdowns as the Chargers won 34-27. The Broncos struggled to contain quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers passing game, with the secondary coming under fire by Payton after the game.

Perhaps the Broncos had a champagne party in their heads a bit too soon. Denver scored three touchdowns in their first three drives Thursday against the Chargers, who owned the league’s No. 9 defense in terms of DVOA (Defense-adjusted value over average) entering the game.

In the first-ever flexed Thursday Night Football game on Amazon Prime—a huge game between two teams for the final playoff spots in the AFC—Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton had one thing on his mind. Run the ball. We know this because the words "RUN IT!!" were scribbled on Payton's laminated call sheet.

It would be an understatement to say that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is pleased with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Arriving via the No. 12 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, Nix won the Broncos' open quarterback competition,

Denver ILB Justin Strnad’s performance to forget against Chargers | Broncos’ Tremon Smith laments “dumb” penalty that led to fair-catch free kick for Chargers | Broncos report card: Sean Payton picked a bad time for a bout of bad clock management before halftime vs.

The Broncos are currently scheduled to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football on Dec. 19. Nine days later, Denver is expected to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Dec. 28 as part of NFL Network’s triple header of games in Week 17.

Sean Payton and Vance deserve all the blame for this game. Sean called plays like an asshole and got way too conservative in the 2nd half. Inexcusable. Vance made zero adjustments and has now got his ass kicked 2 of the last 3 games.

Leading by 11 points with 41 seconds left in the first half, Abrams-Draine returned the ball to the Chargers' 18-yard line. On first down, Bo Nix completed a pass to Javonte Williams that lost three yards. On the next play, Nix threw an incompletion.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton did not mince words about the penalty that led to a historic moment against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Getting swept by the Chargers raises an alarming question for fans expecting a deep playoff run: Can the Broncos compete with the genuine contenders of the NFL? After the loss to