After an exhausting travel day for the Chargers, they took to the field against Denver in a divisional clash and immediately demonstrated their dominance offensively with seven runs in their opening 10-play touchdown drive led by Audric Estime.
Kicker Cameron Dicker would deliver a 57-yard free kick to take an early 21-13 lead into halftime.
| Player | Team | Position | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | LAC | Quarterback | 32/45 completions, 360 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions |
| Russell Wilson | DEN | Quarterback | 27/40 completions, 290 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception |
| Austin Ekeler | LAC | Running Back | 18 carries, 85 rushing yards, 1 touchdown; 6 receptions, 55 receiving yards, 1 touchdown |
| Javonte Williams | DEN | Running Back | 20 carries, 92 rushing yards |
| Keenan Allen | LAC | Wide Receiver | 12 receptions, 140 receiving yards, 1 touchdown |
| Jerry Jeudy | DEN | Wide Receiver | 10 receptions, 120 receiving yards, 1 touchdown |
| Gerald Everett | LAC | Tight End | 5 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 touchdown |
| Khalil Mack | LAC | Linebacker | 2 sacks, 5 quarterback pressures |
| Patrick Surtain II | DEN | Cornerback | 1 interception |
| Derwin James | LAC | Safety | 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble |
Bo Nix
Bo Nix was instrumental in leading the Denver Broncos past Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, tossing for 263 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions while also running three times for 25 yards and avoiding turnovers in an otherwise low-scoring contest.
Nix’s highlight play of the game was a 33-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele late in the second quarter, giving Denver a 14-6 lead and capping an outstanding first half for him. Unfortunately, in the second half he struggled to stay comfortable and was hit several times, although Denver defense assisted by sacking him twice and creating two turnovers to bail him out.
Nix was patient with his team’s offense as they struggled early, finding a matchup against linebacker Antonio Garay. He eventually threw two touchdown passes – one to Javonte Williams for 5 yards, then another 1-yarder to Courtland Sutton in the third quarter.
Sutton was an integral addition to Denver’s offense this offseason and his speed has enabled them to spread the field and utilize all available receiving options. He will continue providing fantasy value throughout the season.
Denver started slow but eventually found some rhythm in the second quarter. Nix made adjustments to his game that helped make more efficient passes, forcing turnovers which resulted in touchdowns on their next two possessions – after a long drive, they kicked a 55-yard field goal to extend their lead further. Although they lost, their offense showed promise and should continue improving throughout the season while their defense also looked like one of the top units earlier in the year; both units will look to build upon this performance during week 17.
Marvin Mims Jr.
The Broncos have seen considerable success with rookie running back Justin Forsett this season, while other players such as wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr have proven invaluable for them this year. Mims Jr has proven himself worthy of consideration by being an unexpected standout on their roster.
After an inauspicious first quarter, this second-year wideout has turned his season around late and become an attractive fantasy option. Already having recorded two 100-yard performances this season and with another potentially in the cards soon enough he should make for an appealing fantasy play for the remainder of 2019.
Mims has been an invaluable contributor to Denver’s offense this season, seeing a dramatic uptick in usage compared to his first season with the team. This increased usage has resulted in him receiving significantly more targets and yards; becoming the second-most targeted wideout on their squad behind top receiver Courtland Sutton. Furthermore, this increased involvement has seen Mims catch two or more touchdowns in four of his last five games – making him a viable fantasy option going forward.
Nix found Mims with an early pass that he turned upfield for 15 yards to set the Broncos off at the LA 37. On their next series, however, the Chargers fell short due to Jonathan Taylor fumbling at goalline; but Denver defense made a critical special teams play to keep momentum alive and kept moving the ball downfield.
Nix would strike again in the second quarter when he hit rookie wideout Mims with a quick pass downfield for 55-yard gain and set up Devaughn Vele’s touchdown reception and put Denver ahead!
In the third quarter, Denver received an opportunity to extend their lead with a free kick at LA 36. Kicker Brandon McManus converted the kick for a 57 yard field goal which put them up 24-13 at half time!
Devaughn Vele
Devaughn Vele stands out amongst NFL rookie wide receivers as one of its premier rookie receivers. A deep threat for Denver Broncos, his route running has been excellent and his speed and agility make him difficult for opposing defenses to cover; furthermore he has demonstrated the ability to break tackles and gain ground quickly.
Vele was selected in the 7th round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Broncos and quickly established himself as an integral component of their offense – currently second on receptions and third in yards received, scoring three touchdowns thus far this season. Vele’s performance against the Chargers will determine just how far their playoff hopes extend.
The Broncos still have control of their playoff chances; all they must do to clinch one is win their remaining games and hope other teams lose in order to earn a Wild Card slot. Their loss to the Chargers hurt their chances, but they remain on track.
After an uneven start to the game, Denver eventually found their groove. Nix’s 54-yard pass to Mims set up one of his two touchdowns; then Vele caught one for another 6-yard score; giving Denver an 18-10 advantage by halftime.
In the third quarter, Denver scored yet another field goal when Nix hit fullback Michael Burton with a quick out route and quickly passed to him for first down before striking again with an aerial route for another first down and 5-yard touchdown!
However, the Chargers quickly responded with two touchdown drives of their own; their first coming after a penalty against Denver. Theirn on a six-play drive featuring Hassan Haskins’ touchdown catch.
With their win, the Chargers improved to 8-7 and remain in contention for a wild-card spot in the AFC playoffs. They are tied with the Colts for second place in the AFC West and compete against Bengals and Dolphins for remaining playoff berths; one game behind Broncos. With greater chance at winning AFC West than making playoffs.
Gus Edwards
Gus Edwards has long possessed a bulldozer-like approach to running back, willing to run over or through opponents as needed. On Saturday he’ll become even more powerful as he takes over as starter for Los Angeles Chargers. Edwards says that over the off-season he’s worked to increase speed and strength; looking forward to an incredible season ahead.
The 29-year-old running back marks Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural major signing as Chargers head coach and could replace Austin Ekeler as their primary back. Last season he had an outstanding run with Baltimore Ravens, amassing 718 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry (YPC).
Even though Edwards only recently entered the position, his powerful running style has earned him plenty of admirers in fantasy circles. With an ability to carry for 400+ yards regularly and plenty of goal line opportunities available in Los Angeles, Edwards should quickly gain favor among fantasy players.
Edwards missed two regular-season games due to an ankle injury, but looked healthy during limited practices this week. If he is healthy enough to play on Saturday, Edwards will lead the Chargers’ ground attack alongside J.K. Dobbins (ankle). Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal could serve as alternate options should Dobbins be limited in some manner.
Edwards is a low-volume and touchdown-dependent flex play in this game, but has an ideal matchup against one of the weakest backfields in the NFL. Though his rushing numbers may decline over time, Edwards still possesses both size and power to remain a reliable rusher for many seasons to come. Reunited with former Baltimore running backs coach Greg Roman in Los Angeles, he can become the face of an offense focused on running play; perhaps this year will mark Edwards’ breakout season; thus most formats should give consideration.