Broncos End Season With 31-28 Win Over Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers v Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) joins his teammates and celebrates with running back Latavius Murray (28) after Murray's touchdown during the first quarter of a 31-28 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 8 at Empower Field At Mile High. (Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images North America

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.

Click/tap on the picture below for Broncos-Chargers highlights.

Los Angeles Chargers v Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie evades Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill en route to a 24-yard touchdown catch in the Broncos 31-28 win on Sunday, January 8 at Empower Field At Mile High. (Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images


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