Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos, Week 18 2025
Los Angeles Chargers
Away
3
Denver Broncos
HomeWon
19
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Broncos | 10 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
LAC 3DEN 19 Final
Passing leader
10.5PPR pts
14/23, 141 YDS
Top fantasy scorer
10.6PPR pts
7 REC, 36 YDS
Chargers leader
9.3PPR pts
20/44, 136 YDS, 1 INT
Defensive playmaker
Ja'Quan McMillian
1 INT, 1 TD, 6 TKL
Broncos 19, Chargers 3: Denver leads from start to finish
Denver led 10–3 at halftime and outscored Los Angeles 9–0 after the break to win 19–3. The Broncos finished with a narrow 240–217 edge in total offense and averaged 4.1 yards per play.
The Chargers went 7-for-20 on third down and committed two turnovers, while the Broncos kept the ball for 34:01 and finished without a giveaway.
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
- +1.0 yards/play DEN 4.1 · LAC 3.1
- +2 turnover margin DEN 0 turnovers
- +23 total yards DEN 240 · LAC 217
Game Highlights
Official NFL highlights · Opens from YouTube
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Why the Broncos Won
Denver won the efficiency, turnover, and time of possession battles.
| Chargers | Stat | Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Yards per play | 4.1 |
| 2 | Turnovers | 0 |
| 217 | Total yards | 240 |
| Other team stats | ||
| 69 | Plays | 58 |
| 35% | Third-down conversion | 33% |
| 25:59 | Time of possession | 34:01 |
Scoring Summary
The Broncos scored one touchdown and four field goals; the Chargers scored one field goal.
| Time | Team | Play | LAC | DEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st quarter | ||||
| 5:06 | DEN | Wil Lutz 24-yard FG Takes lead | 0 | 3 |
| 3:39 | DEN | Ja'Quan McMillian 45-yard interception return TD Extends leadWil Lutz XP | 0 | 10 |
| 2nd quarter | ||||
| 0:03 | LAC | Cameron Dicker 30-yard FG | 3 | 10 |
| 3rd quarter | ||||
| 10:07 | DEN | Wil Lutz 26-yard FG Extends lead | 3 | 13 |
| 4th quarter | ||||
| 11:45 | DEN | Wil Lutz 41-yard FG Extends lead | 3 | 16 |
| 2:23 | DEN | Wil Lutz 23-yard FG Extends lead | 3 | 19 |
Fantasy Points: Chargers vs Broncos, Week 18 2025
Fantasy leaders
- Keenan Allen10.6 PTSWR23
- Bo Nix10.5 PTSQB19
- Trey Lance9.3 PTSQB22
- Evan Engram7.5 PTSTE21
Player Stats
Quarterbacks
| Player | FPTS | FIN | CMP/ATT | Pass YDS | TD | INT | Rush ATT | Rush YDS | Rush TD | Rate | Start/Sit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nix | 10.5 | QB19 | 14/23 | 141 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 49 | 0 | 78.4 | Start/Sit → |
| Trey Lance | 9.3 | QB22 | 20/44 | 136 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 69 | 0 | 43.4 | Start/Sit → |
WRs, RBs, & TEs
| Player | FPTS | FIN | POS | Rush ATT | Rush YDS | Rush TD | TGT | REC | Rec YDS | Rec TD | Start/Sit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keenan Allen | 10.6 | WR23 | WR | — | — | — | 13 | 7 | 36 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Evan Engram | 7.5 | TE21 | TE | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | 45 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Pat Bryant | 7.1 | WR46 | WR | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 31 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 6.8 | RB34 | RB | 6 | 41 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Jaret Patterson | 6.7 | RB36 | RB | 8 | 29 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 0 | |
| Tre' Harris | 4.8 | WR59 | WR | — | — | — | 6 | 2 | 28 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Tyler Badie | 4.6 | RB52 | RB | 2 | -2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 28 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| KeAndre Lambert-Smith | 4.4 | WR64 | WR | — | — | — | 5 | 2 | 24 | 0 | |
| RJ Harvey | 4.3 | RB55 | RB | 15 | 28 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Oronde Gadsden | 4.3 | TE36 | TE | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 23 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Marvin Mims | 3.0 | WR74 | WR | — | — | — | 3 | 2 | 10 | 0 | |
| Kimani Vidal | 2.0 | RB69 | RB | 3 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Derius Davis | 1.7 | WR94 | WR | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Will Dissly | 1.6 | TE52 | TE | — | — | — | 5 | 1 | 6 | 0 | |
| Tyler Conklin | 1.6 | TE53 | TE | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Courtland Sutton | 1.5 | WR97 | WR | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Hassan Haskins | 0.3 | RB78 | RB | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | — | |
| Troy Franklin | 0.0 | — | WR | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
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+0.9Oronde Gadsden4.3 PTS vs 3.4 xFP
- Biggest underperformer−16.0Trey Lance9.3 PTS vs 25.3 xFP
- Highest expected volume25.3 xFPTrey Lance9.3 PTS scored
| Player | PTS | xFP | vs xFP | Snap% | Usage | Rte% | Pass att | Car | Car% | Tgt | Tgt% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey LanceLAC · QB | 9.3 | 25.3 | −16.0 | — | 44 att | — | 44 | 9 | 43% | 0 | 0% |
| Keenan AllenLAC · WR | 10.6 | 22.2 | −11.6 | — | 34% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 13 | 34% |
| RJ HarveyDEN · RB | 4.3 | 16.5 | −12.2 | — | 48% car | — | 0 | 15 | 48% | 4 | 17% |
| Bo NixDEN · QB | 10.5 | 15.4 | −4.9 | — | 23 att | — | 23 | 8 | 26% | 0 | 0% |
| Jaret PattersonLAC · RB | 6.7 | 12.0 | −5.3 | — | 38% car | — | 0 | 8 | 38% | 4 | 11% |
| Tre' HarrisLAC · WR | 4.8 | 10.2 | −5.4 | — | 16% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 6 | 16% |
| KeAndre Lambert-SmithLAC · WR | 4.4 | 8.5 | −4.1 | — | 13% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 5 | 13% |
| Pat BryantDEN · WR | 7.1 | 8.5 | −1.4 | — | 22% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 5 | 22% |
| Will DisslyLAC · TE | 1.6 | 8.5 | −6.9 | — | 13% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 5 | 13% |
| Jaleel McLaughlinDEN · RB | 6.8 | 7.3 | −0.5 | — | 19% car | — | 0 | 6 | 19% | 2 | 9% |
| Evan EngramDEN · TE | 7.5 | 6.8 | +0.7 | — | 17% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 4 | 17% |
| Marvin Mims Jr.DEN · WR | 3.0 | 5.1 | −2.1 | — | 13% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 3 | 13% |
| Tyler BadieDEN · RB | 4.6 | 4.7 | −0.1 | — | 9% tgt | — | 0 | 2 | 6% | 2 | 9% |
| Kimani VidalLAC · RB | 2.0 | 3.6 | −1.6 | — | 14% car | — | 0 | 3 | 14% | 1 | 3% |
| Courtland SuttonDEN · WR | 1.5 | 3.4 | −1.9 | — | 9% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 9% |
| Oronde GadsdenLAC · TE | 4.3 | 3.4 | +0.9 | — | 5% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 5% |
| Derius DavisLAC · WR | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.0 | — | 3% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 1 | 3% |
| Troy FranklinDEN · WR | 0.0 | 1.7 | −1.7 | — | 4% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 1 | 4% |
| Tyler ConklinLAC · TE | 1.6 | 1.7 | −0.1 | — | 3% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 1 | 3% |
| Hassan HaskinsLAC · RB | 0.3 | 0.6 | −0.3 | — | 5% car | — | 0 | 1 | 5% | 0 | 0% |
Team totals: Chargers 38 targets and 21 carries; Broncos 23 targets and 31 carries. Shares are from the box score. Snap counts aren't available for this game. Route counts, air yards and red-zone touches appear when the tracking feed is connected. League-average rates from the 2025 season: 1.70 PPR points per target (67% catch rate), 0.65 per carry and 0.44 per pass attempt. They don't adjust for field position or target depth.
Fantasy Verdicts
Trey Lance Unlucky
20 of 44 passing for 136 yards, 1 interception; 9 carries for 69 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 25.3 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Best fantasy game of the season.
Bo Nix
14 of 23 passing for 141 yards; 8 carries for 49 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 15.4 expected.
Fewest points since Week 10.
Keenan Allen Volume, no payoff
13 targets (34% of the team's), 7 catches for 36 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 22.2 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Best score since Week 7.
Jaret Patterson Unlucky
4 targets (11% of the team's), 3 catches for 8 yards; 8 carries (38% of the team's) for 29 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 12.0 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
RJ Harvey Unlucky
4 targets (17% of the team's), 1 catch for 5 yards; 15 carries (48% of the team's) for 28 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 16.5 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Fewest points since Week 10. A touchdown in 5 of the last 8 games.
Pat Bryant
5 targets (22% of the team's), 4 catches for 31 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 8.5 expected.
Fewest points since Week 10.
Tre' Harris Unlucky
6 targets (16% of the team's), 2 catches for 28 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 10.2 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Season high in targets (6).
Will Dissly Unlucky
5 targets (13% of the team's), 1 catch for 6 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 8.5 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Fantasy Matchups
Fantasy points allowed per game by position, 2025 through Week 18.
| Points allowed to | Chargers D | Broncos D |
|---|---|---|
| QBs | 13.5 | 14.8 |
| RBs | 18.6 | 17.0 |
| WRs | 25.7 | 26.3 |
| TEs | 10.5 | 13.7 |
Regular season, summed from each game's box score and scored with this page's rules.
How the Game Swung
Denver opened at 87% win probability and passed 98% in the fourth quarter on the way to the win.
Broncos win probability
Key Swings
- +5Lutz 24-yd FG85% → 90%Q1 5:06
- +7McMillian 45-yd pick-six90% → 97%Q1 3:39
- −3Dicker 30-yd FG97% → 94%Q2 0:03
- +3Lutz 26-yd FG94% → 97%Q3 10:07
- +1Lutz 41-yd FG99% → >99%Q4 11:45
Swing in Broncos win probability, in points
Play Calling and Possessions
| Los Angeles Chargers | Measure | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | Plays | 58 |
| 70% | Pass rate | 47% |
| 2.2 | Yds / dropback | 4.6 |
| 5.4 | Yds / carry | 3.7 |
| 7/20 | Third downs | 5/15 |
Efficiency edge Denver ran 11 fewer plays but gained 2.4 more yards per dropback.
- Top targets
- LAC Allen 34% · Harris 16% · Lambert-Smith 13%
- DEN Bryant 22% · Engram 17% · Harvey 17%
Possession Results
| Result | LAC | DEN |
|---|---|---|
| Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Field goals | 1 | 4 |
| Punts | 7 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers on downs | 2 | 0 |
DEN turnover edge: +2
- The Broncos opened the scoring on their first possession, a 15-play, 81-yard drive that ended in a field goal.
All 24 possessions, drive by drive
| Team | Start | Plays | Yards | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAC | Q1 15:00 | 3 | 6 | 1:02 | Punt |
| DEN | Q1 13:58 | 15 | 81 | 8:52 | Field goal |
| LAC | Q1 5:06 | 3 | 5 | 1:27 | Interception |
| LAC | Q1 3:39 | 4 | 12 | 1:44 | Punt |
| DEN | Q1 1:55 | 3 | 5 | 1:25 | Punt |
| LAC | Q1 0:30 | 3 | 9 | 1:19 | Punt |
| DEN | Q2 14:11 | 6 | 15 | 3:46 | Punt |
| LAC | Q2 10:25 | 6 | 19 | 3:39 | Punt |
| DEN | Q2 6:46 | 6 | 13 | 3:50 | Punt |
| LAC | Q2 2:56 | 12 | 51 | 2:53 | Field goal |
| DEN | Q2 0:03 | 1 | -1 | 0:03 | End of half |
| DEN | Q3 15:00 | 3 | 6 | 0:52 | Punt |
| LAC | Q3 14:08 | 3 | 2 | 0:57 | Punt |
| DEN | Q3 13:11 | 7 | 52 | 3:04 | Field goal |
| LAC | Q3 10:07 | 6 | 4 | 4:01 | Punt |
| DEN | Q3 6:06 | 3 | 7 | 2:35 | Punt |
| LAC | Q3 3:31 | 6 | 13 | 2:54 | Punt |
| DEN | Q3 0:37 | 3 | 8 | 2:08 | Punt |
| LAC | Q4 13:29 | 1 | -4 | 0:08 | Fumble |
| DEN | Q4 13:21 | 4 | -2 | 1:36 | Field goal |
| LAC | Q4 11:45 | 7 | 21 | 3:48 | Downs |
| DEN | Q4 7:57 | 10 | 52 | 5:34 | Field goal |
| LAC | Q4 2:23 | 16 | 54 | 2:07 | Downs |
| DEN | Q4 0:16 | 1 | -1 | 0:16 | End 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
- 2025 Wk 18 Chargers at Broncos DEN 19 LAC 3 DEN W
- 2025 Wk 3 Broncos at Chargers, 2025 Wk 3 recap LAC 23 DEN 20 LAC W
- 2024 Wk 16 Broncos at Chargers, 2024 Wk 16 recap LAC 34 DEN 27 LAC W
- 2024 Wk 6 Chargers at Broncos, 2024 Wk 6 recap LAC 23 DEN 16 LAC W
- 2023 Wk 17 Chargers at Broncos, 2023 Wk 17 recap DEN 16 LAC 9 DEN W
- 2023 Wk 14 Broncos at Chargers, 2023 Wk 14 recap DEN 24 LAC 7 DEN W
- 2022 Wk 18 Chargers at Broncos, 2022 Wk 18 recap DEN 31 LAC 28 DEN W
- 2022 Wk 6 Broncos at Chargers, 2022 Wk 6 recap LAC 19 DEN 16 LAC W
- 2021 Wk 17 Broncos at Chargers, 2021 Wk 17 recap LAC 34 DEN 13 LAC W
- 2021 Wk 12 Chargers at Broncos, 2021 Wk 12 recap DEN 28 LAC 13 DEN W
Season to Date (Through Week 18)
The 2025 regular season, from each game's box score.
| Chargers | Stat | Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| 11-6 | Record | 14-3 |
| 21.6 | Points per game | 23.6 |
| 333.8 | Yards per game | 342.6 |
| 5.2 | Yards per play | 5.3 |
| 20.0 | Points allowed per game | 18.3 |
| 285.2 | Yards allowed per game | 278.2 |
Chargers vs Broncos Odds and Results
How this game finished against the betting lines.
- Spread
- DEN −15.5Broncos covered by 0.5
- Total
- 37.5Under: 22 points scored (by 15.5)
Expected vs Actual Scoring
| Team | Implied | Actual | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | 26.5 | 19 | −7.5 |
| Chargers | 11.0 | 3 | −8.0 |
Both offenses finished under the market's expectation, which matches the low fantasy output in the Fantasy tab.
Betting Trends
Last 5 meetings: Broncos 3–2 ATS, unders 3–2.
Each team's 2025 season through this game. Over/under is overs first.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Against the spread
- 4–2
- Over/under
- 2–4
- ATS as favorite
- 1–1
- ATS as underdog
- 3–1
- ATS on the road
- 2–1
Denver Broncos
- Against the spread
- 2–4
- Over/under
- 3–2
- ATS as favorite
- 1–4
- ATS as underdog
- 1–0
- ATS at home
- 2–1
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.
- Start/Sit ToolShould your Chargers or Broncos player start in Week 5? Compare the decision against your other options.
- Fantasy Football ProjectionsSee the latest weekly and rest-of-season projections for Chargers and Broncos players.
- Fantasy Points Allowed by PositionHow the Chargers and Broncos defenses have treated QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs.
- Strength of ScheduleWhere these two matchups fall in each team's fantasy playoff run.
- Redraft CommandConnect your league for personalized lineup, trade and roster advice.
Keep Exploring
2025 Game Logs for Players in This Game
Chargers vs Broncos Game FAQ
Who won the 2025 Chargers vs Broncos Week 18 game?
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 19–3 in Week 18 of the 2025 season. The game was played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, on January 4, 2026. See the Broncos' 2025 schedule.
What was the final score of Chargers vs Broncos?
The final score was Broncos 19, Chargers 3. The Broncos led 10–3 at halftime, and the second half went Chargers 0, Broncos 9.
What happened in the Chargers vs Broncos game?
Denver led 10–3 at halftime and outscored Los Angeles 9–0 after the break to win 19–3. The Broncos finished with a narrow 240–217 edge in total offense and averaged 4.1 yards per play. Keenan Allen led all players with 7 catches for 36 yards. The Chargers committed 2 turnovers, the Broncos none.
Who scored the most fantasy points in Chargers vs Broncos?
Keenan Allen led the game with 10.6 PPR fantasy points, the WR23 of Week 18, on 7 catches for 36 yards. Bo Nix was next with 10.5 (QB19). See Keenan Allen's 2025 game log.
Who led Chargers vs Broncos in passing, rushing and receiving?
Bo Nix (DEN) led all passers with 14 of 23 for 141 yards. Trey Lance (LAC) led in rushing with 9 carries for 69 yards. Evan Engram (DEN) led in receiving with 3 catches for 45 yards.
Who outperformed and underperformed expected fantasy points in Chargers vs Broncos?
Oronde Gadsden outperformed his expected fantasy points the most, scoring 4.3 PPR points on 3.4 xFP (+0.9). Trey Lance fell furthest short, with 9.3 points on 25.3 xFP (−16.0). 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.
Who had the highest expected fantasy points in Chargers vs Broncos?
Trey Lance had the most fantasy opportunity in the game, worth 25.3 expected PPR points (xFP) at league-average rates, and scored 9.3. Expected points measure the volume of a player's pass attempts, carries and targets, not how well he used them.
How did the Broncos beat the Chargers?
The Broncos beat the Chargers 19–3 because they averaged 4.1 yards per play to 3.1, won the turnover battle 2–0, and outgained them 240–217.
Which team won the turnover battle in Chargers vs Broncos?
The Broncos won the turnover battle 2–0: the Chargers gave the ball away 2 times and the Broncos not at all. 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 18 of 2025, they last met in the 2025 season on September 21, 2025, when the Chargers beat the Broncos 23–20.
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 Broncos −15.5, making the Denver Broncos 15.5-point favorites, with a closing total of 37.5. That implied about 26.5 points for the Broncos and 11.0 for the Chargers.
Did Chargers vs Broncos go over or under the total?
The game went under. The consensus closing total was 37.5, and the teams combined for 22 points, 15.5 under the number.
Who covered the spread in Chargers vs Broncos?
The Broncos covered by 0.5 against the closing line of Broncos −15.5. The final margin was 16 points.