The Denver Broncos finished out the season the right way.
Sunday, they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 31-28.
While the victory does not erase the fact the Broncos had an exceedingly difficult and disappointing season, it sure can make them smile as they head into a critical offseason.
The Broncos erased deficits of 7-0, 14-7 and 17-10 to rally for the win.
Quarterback Russell Wilson capped a three-play, 75 yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Tomlinson with six seconds left in the first half to tie the game at 17.
The Broncos took their first lead with 11:42 to go in the third quarter when running back Tyler Badie took a pass in the left flat and went down the sideline for a 24-yard scoring catch to make it 24-17.
Courtland Sutton's 20-yard touchdown catch with 11:01 to go in the game gave the Broncos some breathing room and they would need it. Returner Brandon Johnson muffed a punt that the Chargers recovered and cased it in on Keenan Allen's three-yard TD reception with 6:02 remaining. But the Broncos were able to hang on for the win.
Denver's 31 points represented a season-high. The Broncos outgained the Chargers 471 yards to 352 and they outrushed L.A. 205 yards to 59.
Wilson completed 13-of-24 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Latavius Murray piled up 103 yards rushing on 15 carries. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught five passes for a career-high 154 yards.
The Broncos close out the season with a 5-12 record. Now, the organization turns its attention to hiring a new head coach.
MORE ON THE BRONCOS WIN HERE
Check out KOA Broncos-Chargers postgame interviews with (in order) interim head coach jerry Rosburg, QB Russell Wilson, S Justin Simmons and WR Jerry Jeudy.