The Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 23-17 on Sunday behind a fourth-quarter comeback, scoring 13 unanswered points to turn a seven-point deficit into a valuable AFC West road victory. Denver entered the final period trailing 17-10 but delivered the only scoring of the quarter, improving to 3-2 while leaving Los Angeles still searching for its first win at 0-5.

The Week 5 matchup at SoFi Stadium unfolded in three distinct stages: Denver controlled the early scoreboard, Los Angeles took over after halftime, and the Broncos reclaimed the game when it mattered most. Before an announced crowd of 69,293, the visitors earned their first road victory of the 2026 regular season and avoided slipping below .500.

Denver Takes the Early Advantage

The Broncos opened with a 7-0 first quarter, keeping the Chargers off the scoreboard through the first 15 minutes. Each team added three points in the second quarter, sending Denver into halftime with a 10-3 lead. That seven-point cushion gave the Broncos an encouraging start, but it proved anything but secure once Los Angeles found its scoring rhythm.

Chargers Surge, Broncos Answer

Los Angeles changed the direction of the game with a 14-0 third quarter. The Chargers erased their halftime deficit and built a 17-10 advantage, putting themselves one strong closing quarter away from ending their winless start. Denver, meanwhile, had gone an entire period without scoring and needed a response on both sides of the ball.

The response was decisive: 13 points for Denver, none for Los Angeles. The Broncos not only recovered the seven points they needed to draw level but finished six points ahead. Just as important, their defense kept the Chargers from adding to their lead throughout the fourth quarter. The comeback was completed in regulation, with no overtime required.

The supplied game data does not identify the scoring sequence, game-winning drive, turnovers, sacks, red-zone stops, fourth-down attempts or special teams details. The quarter-by-quarter result nevertheless makes the central turning point clear: Denver reversed the Chargers’ second-half momentum with a complete fourth-quarter scoring swing.

Key Performers

Bo Nix: Denver’s passing leader finished with 16/27, 123 YDS, 1 TD. It was a modest yardage total in a winning effort, with Nix completing 59.3% of his attempts. His interception total was not supplied.

J.K. Dobbins: The rushing leader posted 18 CAR, 68 YDS, 1 TD, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. His touchdown and team-leading rushing production provided an important complement to Denver’s passing attack.

Evan Engram: The receiving leader recorded 4 REC, 55 YDS, averaging 13.8 yards per catch. His receiving touchdown total was not supplied.

NerdSports Stat: Denver scored 56.5% of its total points in the fourth quarter, producing 13 of its 23 points during the comeback.

What Comes Next

Denver’s divisional road win provides a useful platform for the AFC West race, but a short turnaround awaits: the Broncos host the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, October 15, at 5:15 PM PDT. Los Angeles hosts the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, October 18, at 1:25 PM PDT, with another division matchup offering an immediate opportunity to change the direction of its season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers game?

Denver Broncos defeated Los Angeles Chargers 23-17 on October 11, 2026.

Who led the Denver Broncos in passing?

Bo Nix threw for 123 yards and 1 touchdown.

Did the game go to overtime?

No. Denver completed its comeback in regulation.

What are both teams’ records after this game?

Denver Broncos is now 3-2; Los Angeles Chargers is 0-5.

When is Denver Broncos’ next game?

Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 5:15 PM PDT vs Seattle Seahawks.