Final2021 Week 12

Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos, Week 12 2021

Los Angeles Chargers

Away

13

Denver Broncos

HomeWon

28

Scoring by quarter
TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Chargers070613
Broncos7701428

LAC 13DEN 28 Final

  • Passing leader

    Justin Herbert

    LAC · QB

    21.7PPR pts

    28/44, 303 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT

  • Top fantasy scorer

    Austin Ekeler

    LAC · RB

    21.9PPR pts

    12 ATT, 31 YDS, 6 REC, 68 REC YDS, 1 REC TD

  • Chargers leader

    Keenan Allen

    LAC · WR

    15.5PPR pts

    7 REC, 85 YDS

  • Defensive playmaker

    Pat Surtain II

    DEN

    2 INT, 1 TD, 5 TKL

Broncos 28, Chargers 13: Denver leads from start to finish

Denver led 14–7 at halftime and outscored Los Angeles 14–6 after the break to win 28–13. Los Angeles outgained the Broncos 357–302.

The Chargers went 7-for-14 on third down and committed two turnovers.

The two teams meet again in Week 5 of 2026. If you roster anyone from either side, run the start/sit call in Redraft Command and it will weigh your lineup, your opponent and your league scoring, not only the player rankings.

Key advantages

  • +1 turnover margin DEN 1 · LAC 2 turnovers
  • +23% third-down rate DEN 73% · LAC 50%

Game Highlights

Official NFL highlights · Opens from YouTube

Got a Charger or Bronco on your fantasy team?

Check their next matchup with the Start/Sit Tool, compare their value in the Fantasy Trade Calculator, or connect your league for personalized advice in Redraft Command.

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Why the Broncos Won

Denver won the turnover and third-down battles.

Team stats comparison, Chargers vs Broncos
ChargersStatBroncos
2Turnovers1
50%Third-down conversion73%
Other team stats
357Total yards302
5.6Yards per play5.1
64Plays59
30:23Time of possession29:37

Scoring Summary

The Broncos scored four touchdowns; the Chargers scored two touchdowns.

Scoring plays, Chargers vs Broncos
TimeTeamPlayLACDEN
1st quarter
4:31DENTeddy Bridgewater 11-yard TD run Takes leadBrandon McManus XP07
2nd quarter
12:46DENJavonte Williams 9-yard TD run Extends leadBrandon McManus XP014
0:31LACJustin Herbert → Austin Ekeler, 12-yard TDDustin Hopkins XP714
3rd quarter
No scoring
4th quarter
8:54DENTeddy Bridgewater → Eric Saubert, 1-yard TD Extends leadBrandon McManus XP721
7:28DENPat Surtain II 70-yard interception return TD Extends leadBrandon McManus XP728
4:34LACJustin Herbert → Jared Cook, 16-yard TD2-pt try failed1328

Fantasy Points: Chargers vs Broncos, Week 12 2021

Fantasy leaders

  1. Austin EkelerLACRB21.9 PTSRB7
  2. Justin HerbertLACQB21.7 PTSQB5
  3. Javonte WilliamsDENRB20.1 PTSRB8
  4. Teddy BridgewaterDENQB16.2 PTSQB14

Player Stats

Quarterbacks

Quarterback statistics
PlayerFPTSFINCMP/ATTPass YDSTDINTRush ATTRush YDSRush TDRateStart/Sit
Justin HerbertLACQB21.7QB528/4430322436080.0Start/Sit →
Teddy BridgewaterDENQB16.2QB1411/18129102101101.4
Drew LockDENQB-1.0—4/72601———25.6Start/Sit →

WRs, RBs, & TEs

Receiver, running back and tight end statistics
PlayerFPTSFINPOSRush ATTRush YDSRush TDTGTRECRec YDSRec TDStart/Sit
Austin EkelerLACRB21.9RB7RB1231086681Start/Sit →
Javonte WilliamsDENRB20.1RB8RB1454143570Start/Sit →
Keenan AllenLACWR15.5WR20WR———107850Start/Sit →
Jared CookLACTE10.5TE13TE———52251
Melvin GordonDENRB9.8RB25RB178302150
Mike WilliamsLACWR7.9WR48WR———84390
Eric SaubertDENTE7.1TE21TE———1111Start/Sit →
Tim PatrickDENWR4.6WR68WR———32260
Jerry JeudyDENWR4.5WR71WR———32250Start/Sit →
Joshua PalmerLACWR4.5WR72WR———22250Start/Sit →
Jalen GuytonLACWR4.3WR75WR———32230
Noah FantDENTE4.2TE29TE———43120Start/Sit →
Joshua KelleyLACRB4.0RB49RB15032150
Stephen AndersonLACTE3.8TE33TE———22180
Courtland SuttonDENWR3.7WR80WR———32170Start/Sit →
Albert OkwuegbunamDENTE2.2TE39TE———21120
Donald ParhamLACTE1.5TE48TE———1150
Kendall HintonDENWR0.0—WR———1000
Darius BradwellLACRB0.0—RB———1000
Tre' McKittyLACTE0.0—TE———1000

Fantasy Usage

Los Angeles Chargers

Snap Share

  1. Keenan AllenWR61 snaps86%
  2. Mike WilliamsWR61 snaps86%
  3. Austin EkelerRB48 snaps68%
  4. Jalen GuytonWR39 snaps55%
  5. Jared CookTE37 snaps52%

Target Share44 targets

  1. Keenan Allen23%, 10 targets
  2. Mike Williams18%, 8 targets
  3. Austin Ekeler18%, 8 targets
  4. Jared Cook11%, 5 targets
  5. Jalen Guyton7%, 3 targets
  6. Other23%, 10 targets

Carry Share17 carries

  1. Austin Ekeler71%, 12 carries
  2. Justin Herbert24%, 4 carries
  3. Joshua Kelley6%, 1 carries

Denver Broncos

Snap Share

  1. Noah FantTE53 snaps85%
  2. Tim PatrickWR50 snaps81%
  3. Courtland SuttonWR45 snaps73%
  4. Javonte WilliamsRB36 snaps58%
  5. Jerry JeudyWR35 snaps56%

Target Share23 targets

  1. Noah Fant17%, 4 targets
  2. Javonte Williams17%, 4 targets
  3. Tim Patrick13%, 3 targets
  4. Courtland Sutton13%, 3 targets
  5. Jerry Jeudy13%, 3 targets
  6. Other26%, 6 targets

Carry Share33 carries

  1. Melvin Gordon52%, 17 carries
  2. Javonte Williams42%, 14 carries
  3. Teddy Bridgewater6%, 2 carries
View full usage tableHide full usage table
Offensive snaps and share for the skill positions
PlayerSNAPSSNAP %TGTTGT %CAR
Keenan AllenLACWR6186%1023%0
Mike WilliamsLACWR6186%818%0
Noah FantDENTE5385%417%0
Tim PatrickDENWR5081%313%0
Courtland SuttonDENWR4573%313%0
Austin EkelerLACRB4868%818%12
Javonte WilliamsDENRB3658%417%14
Jerry JeudyDENWR3556%313%0
Jalen GuytonLACWR3955%37%0
Jared CookLACTE3752%511%0
Albert OkwuegbunamDENTE2845%29%0
Joshua PalmerLACWR3042%25%0
Melvin GordonDENRB2642%29%17
Donald ParhamLACTE2839%12%0
Eric SaubertDENTE1931%14%0
Tre' McKittyLACTE2130%12%0
Joshua KelleyLACRB1623%37%1
Andrew BeckDENRB1321%00%0
Darius BradwellLACRB710%12%0
Stephen AndersonLACTE68%25%0
Kendall HintonDENWR46%14%0
Diontae SpencerDENWR12%00%0

Fantasy Points vs Expected

Expected points (xFP) are what a player's pass attempts, carries and targets are worth at the league's average rates; the difference is what the player made of them.

  • Biggest overperformer+7.0Teddy Bridgewater16.2 PTS vs 9.2 xFP
  • Biggest underperformer−5.6Mike Williams7.9 PTS vs 13.5 xFP
  • Highest expected volume21.9 xFPJustin Herbert21.7 PTS scored
Usage and expected fantasy points
PlayerPTSxFPvs xFPSnap%UsageRte%Pass attCarCar%TgtTgt%
Justin HerbertLAC · QB21.721.9−0.2100%44 att—44424%00%
Austin EkelerLAC · RB21.921.2+0.768%71% car—01271%818%
Keenan AllenLAC · WR15.516.8−1.386%23% tgt—000%1023%
Javonte WilliamsDEN · RB20.115.7+4.458%42% car—01442%417%
Melvin Gordon IIIDEN · RB9.814.3−4.542%52% car—01752%29%
Mike WilliamsLAC · —7.913.5−5.686%18% tgt—000%818%
Teddy BridgewaterDEN · QB16.29.2+7.069%18 att—1826%00%
Jared CookLAC · TE10.58.4+2.152%11% tgt—000%511%
Noah FantDEN · TE4.26.7−2.585%17% tgt—000%417%
Joshua KelleyLAC · RB4.05.7−1.723%7% tgt—016%37%
Courtland SuttonDEN · WR3.75.1−1.473%13% tgt—000%313%
Jalen GuytonLAC · WR4.35.1−0.855%7% tgt—000%37%
Jerry JeudyDEN · WR4.55.1−0.656%13% tgt—000%313%
Tim PatrickDEN · WR4.65.1−0.581%13% tgt—000%313%
Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.DEN · TE2.23.4−1.245%9% tgt—000%29%
Joshua PalmerLAC · WR4.53.4+1.142%5% tgt—000%25%
Stephen AndersonLAC · TE3.83.4+0.48%5% tgt—000%25%
Drew LockDEN · QB0.03.1−3.131%7 att—700%00%
Darius BradwellLAC · RB0.01.7−1.710%2% tgt—000%12%
Donald Parham Jr.LAC · TE1.51.7−0.239%2% tgt—000%12%
Eric SaubertDEN · TE7.11.7+5.431%4% tgt—000%14%
Kendall HintonDEN · WR0.01.7−1.76%4% tgt—000%14%
Tre' McKittyLAC · TE0.01.7−1.730%2% tgt—000%12%

Team totals: Chargers 44 targets and 17 carries; Broncos 23 targets and 33 carries. Shares are from the box score. Snap counts are from the weekly player logs (Sleeper), and include plays wiped out by penalties. Route counts, air yards and red-zone touches appear when the tracking feed is connected. League-average rates from the 2021 season: 1.68 PPR points per target (67% catch rate), 0.64 per carry and 0.44 per pass attempt. They don't adjust for field position or target depth.

Fantasy Verdicts

Justin Herbert

LAC · QB · 21.7 pts on 21.9 expected

28 of 44 passing for 303 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 4 carries for 36 yards.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 21.9 expected.

Start/Sit: Justin Herbert →

Teddy Bridgewater Ran hot

DEN · QB · 16.2 pts on 9.2 expected

11 of 18 passing for 129 yards, 1 touchdown; 2 carries for 10 yards and 1 touchdown.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 9.2 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

Austin Ekeler Strong role

LAC · RB · 21.9 pts on 21.2 expected

8 targets (18% of the team's), 6 catches for 68 yards and 1 touchdown; 12 carries (71% of the team's) for 31 yards.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 21.2 expected.

Start/Sit: Austin Ekeler →

Keenan Allen

LAC · WR · 15.5 pts on 16.8 expected

10 targets (23% of the team's), 7 catches for 85 yards.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 16.8 expected.

Start/Sit: Keenan Allen →

Javonte Williams

DEN · RB · 20.1 pts on 15.7 expected

4 targets (17% of the team's), 3 catches for 57 yards; 14 carries (42% of the team's) for 54 yards and 1 touchdown.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 15.7 expected.

Start/Sit: Javonte Williams →

Melvin Gordon III

DEN · RB · 9.8 pts on 14.3 expected

2 targets (9% of the team's), 1 catch for 5 yards; 17 carries (52% of the team's) for 83 yards.

Verdict: The points matched the role, 14.3 expected.

Mike Williams Unlucky

LAC · — · 7.9 pts on 13.5 expected

8 targets (18% of the team's), 4 catches for 39 yards.

Verdict: The role was there, worth 13.5 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.

Eric Saubert Ran hot

DEN · TE · 7.1 pts on 1.7 expected

1 target (4% of the team's), 1 catch for 1 yard and 1 touchdown.

Verdict: The opportunities were worth 1.7 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.

Start/Sit: Eric Saubert →

Stock Up, Stock Down

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Stock up: Joshua Palmer played 42% of the snaps, up from a 24% season average.

Denver Broncos

  • Stock up: Javonte Williams led the backfield with 58% of the snaps after trailing Melvin Gordon III before this game.
  • Stock down: Melvin Gordon III lost the backfield lead: 42% of the snaps to Javonte Williams's 58%.
  • Stock down: Kendall Hinton played 6% of the snaps, down from a 30% season average.

Fantasy Matchups

Fantasy points allowed per game by position, 2021 through Week 18.

Fantasy points allowed per game by position, Chargers defense and Broncos defense
Points allowed toChargers DBroncos D
QBs17.515.8
RBs25.921.4
WRs28.529.8
TEs17.28.5

Regular season, summed from each game's box score and scored with this page's rules.

How the Game Swung

Denver opened at 41% win probability and passed 98% in the fourth quarter on the way to the win.

Broncos win probability

Broncos win probability by game minuteBroncos started at 41%, stood at 72% at halftime and finished at 100%, across 6 scoring plays.Q1Q2Q3Q4100%50%0%

Key Swings

  1. +22Bridgewater 11-yd TD run42% → 64%Q1 4:31
  2. +19Williams 9-yd TD run67% → 85%Q2 12:46
  3. −19Herbert → Ekeler, 12-yd TD90% → 72%Q2 0:31
  4. +10Bridgewater → Saubert, 1-yd TD90% → >99%Q4 8:54

Swing in Broncos win probability, in points

Play Calling and Possessions

Play calling, Chargers vs Broncos
Los Angeles ChargersMeasureDenver Broncos
64Plays59
73%Pass rate44%
6.1Yds / dropback6.0
4.2Yds / carry4.5
7/14Third downs8/11

Efficiency edge Denver ran 5 fewer plays than Los Angeles.

  • Top targets
  • LAC Allen 23% · Ekeler 18% · Williams 18%
  • DEN Williams 17% · Fant 17% · Sutton 13%

Possession Results

How each possession ended, Chargers vs Broncos
ResultLACDEN
Touchdowns23
Field goals00
Punts33
Turnovers21
Turnovers on downs10
Missed field goals10

DEN turnover edge: +1

  • The Broncos opened the scoring on their second possession, a 8-play, 50-yard drive that ended in a touchdown.
  • The Broncos scored touchdowns on two of their first three drives, then drained the clock with two second-half drives of four to six minutes.
All 18 possessions, drive by drive
Drive chart
TeamStartPlaysYardsTimeResult
DENQ1 15:009324:02Punt
LACQ1 10:58392:03Punt
DENQ1 8:558504:24Touchdown
LACQ1 4:31370:59Punt
DENQ1 3:3211755:46Touchdown
LACQ2 12:4610405:43Downs
DENQ2 7:03382:10Punt
LACQ2 4:53582:18Punt
DENQ2 2:353141:19Interception
LACQ2 1:166470:45Touchdown
DENQ2 0:314240:31End of half
LACQ3 15:0011417:06Missed FG
DENQ3 7:543-81:15Punt
LACQ3 6:3913527:09Interception
DENQ4 14:3010805:36Touchdown
LACQ4 8:545381:26Interception
LACQ4 7:289752:54Touchdown
DENQ4 4:348324:34End of game
About these numbers

The Broncos' interception touchdown is counted as a Chargers interception, not as a Broncos possession. Possessions that ended with the clock running out at the half or the end of the game aren't counted.

Personnel groupings, average depth of target and pass rate over expected appear when the tracking feed is connected.

Chargers vs Broncos Head-to-Head

The Chargers and Broncos first met in 1960 and have played 133 times since. They have been AFC West rivals since 1970.

All-time series
74–58–1Broncos lead, 133 meetings since 1960
Postseason
1–0Broncos won in 2013
Largest Chargers win
41–32007
Largest Broncos win
38–31997

Since 2021

5–5 Series tied

10 meetings since the 2021 season, regular season and playoffs.

Oldest to newest. C = Chargers win, B = Broncos win, outlined = this game.

2026 Meetings

  • Week 5 Broncos at Chargers Upcoming
  • Week 18 Chargers at Broncos Upcoming

Recent Meetings

Season to Date (Through Week 18)

The 2021 regular season, from each game's box score.

Season to date, Chargers vs Broncos
ChargersStatBroncos
9-8Record7-10
27.9Points per game19.7
390.2Yards per game330.5
5.9Yards per play5.4
27.0Points allowed per game18.9
360.1Yards allowed per game326.1

Chargers vs Broncos Odds and Results

How this game finished against the betting lines.

Spread
LAC −3Chargers failed to cover by 18
Total
47Under: 41 points scored (by 6)

Expected vs Actual Scoring

Implied team totals against the actual score
TeamImpliedActualDifference
Chargers25.013−12.0
Broncos22.028+6.0

The Broncos beat their implied total and the Chargers fell short of theirs; the Fantasy tab has the player lines behind it.

Betting Trends

Each team's 2021 season through this game. Over/under is overs first.

Los Angeles Chargers

Against the spread
5–6
Over/under
4–7
ATS as favorite
2–5
ATS as underdog
2–1
ATS on the road
3–2

Denver Broncos

Against the spread
6–5
Over/under
2–9
ATS as favorite
4–3
ATS as underdog
2–1
ATS at home
3–3

Lines: ESPN's consensus, captured at kickoff. Individual sportsbooks varied.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Betting availability depends on your state.

Chargers vs Broncos Fantasy Outlook for 2026

Two meetings are left on the 2026 schedule: Week 5 in Los Angeles and Week 18 in Denver. Here's how to decide who to play in your league.

Keep Exploring

2021 Game Logs for Players in This Game

Chargers vs Broncos Game FAQ

Who won the 2021 Chargers vs Broncos Week 12 game?

The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 28–13 in Week 12 of the 2021 season. The game was played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, on November 28, 2021. See the Broncos' 2021 schedule.

What was the final score of Chargers vs Broncos?

The final score was Broncos 28, Chargers 13. The Broncos led 14–7 at halftime, and the second half went Chargers 6, Broncos 14.

What happened in the Chargers vs Broncos game?

Denver led 14–7 at halftime and outscored Los Angeles 14–6 after the break to win 28–13. Los Angeles outgained the Broncos 357–302. Austin Ekeler led all players with 6 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, plus 12 carries for 31 rushing yards. The Chargers committed 2 turnovers, the Broncos 1.

Who scored the most fantasy points in Chargers vs Broncos?

Austin Ekeler led the game with 21.9 PPR fantasy points, the RB7 of Week 12, on 6 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, plus 12 carries for 31 rushing yards. Justin Herbert was next with 21.7 (QB5). See Austin Ekeler's 2021 game log.

Who led Chargers vs Broncos in passing, rushing and receiving?

Justin Herbert (LAC) led all passers with 28 of 44 for 303 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Melvin Gordon (DEN) led in rushing with 17 carries for 83 yards. Keenan Allen (LAC) led in receiving with 7 catches for 85 yards.

How many fantasy points did Austin Ekeler score against the Broncos?

Austin Ekeler scored 21.9 points in PPR leagues, 18.9 in half-PPR and 15.9 in standard scoring against the Broncos in Week 12 of the 2021 season, on 6 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, plus 12 carries for 31 rushing yards. He handled 71% of his team's carries.

Who outperformed and underperformed expected fantasy points in Chargers vs Broncos?

Teddy Bridgewater outperformed his expected fantasy points the most, scoring 16.2 PPR points on 9.2 xFP (+7.0). Mike Williams fell furthest short, with 7.9 points on 13.5 xFP (−5.6). A gap either way reflects efficiency and touchdowns in one game; it is not a forecast. For matchups ahead, see fantasy points allowed by position.

How did the Broncos beat the Chargers?

The Broncos beat the Chargers 28–13 because they won the turnover battle 2–1.

Which team won the turnover battle in Chargers vs Broncos?

The Broncos won the turnover battle 2–1: the Chargers gave the ball away 2 times and the Broncos 1 time. The Broncos won the game.

What is the all-time Chargers vs Broncos record?

The Broncos lead the all-time series 74–58–1 across 133 meetings since 1960, including a 1–0 record in the postseason.

When did the Chargers and Broncos last play before this game?

Before Week 12 of 2021, they last met in the 2020 season on December 27, 2020, when the Chargers beat the Broncos 19–16.

Have the Chargers and Broncos met in the playoffs?

Yes, 1 time, most recently in the 2013 playoffs. The Chargers are 0–1 against the Broncos in the postseason.

What was the closing spread for Chargers vs Broncos?

The consensus closing spread at kickoff was Chargers −3, making the Los Angeles Chargers 3-point favorites, with a closing total of 47. That implied about 25.0 points for the Chargers and 22.0 for the Broncos.

Did Chargers vs Broncos go over or under the total?

The game went under. The consensus closing total was 47, and the teams combined for 41 points, 6 under the number.

Who covered the spread in Chargers vs Broncos?

The Broncos covered as 3-point underdogs against the closing line of Chargers −3. The final margin was 15 points.