The Broncos will clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Chargers on Thursday night and they have started the game playing like it.
After forcing a quick three-and-out on defense, Denver put the ball in the box with Audric Estime’s first career touchdown. That gave the club an early 7-0 lead over Los Angeles.
The Broncos converted third-and-2 with a 15-yard run by Javonte Williams, giving Denver a first down in Los Angeles territory. Quarterback Bo Nix followed that with a 13-yard pass off play action to fullback Nate Adkins, pugging Denver on the L.A. 24.
The club got into the red zone with a 7-yard run by Blake Watson — the fourth player to take a carry on the opening possession. Following a false start, Watson then caught a screen for a for a 13-yard gain and got half the distance closer with an unnecessary roughness penalty on Los Angeles’ defense.
Both safety Tony Jefferson and Watson lowered their helmets on the play, but only Jefferson was called for the foul. Prime Video rules analyst Terry McAuley noted that it should not have been called for a foul.
On the next play, Estime took a handoff to the right side and got in for a 3-yard score.
Denver averaged 7.4 yards per play on that first drive, notching six first downs.
Chargers safety Marcus Maye is questionable to return with an ankle injury.
