Miles
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- Mar 18, 2019
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4. Broncos 24, Chargers 21 (Week 1, 2017 season)
In building a 24-7 lead — highlighted by Trevor Siemian breaking Joey Bosa's ankles for a touchdown — the Broncos entered the fourth quarter with victory seemingly in hand. But Rivers would put that in doubt with two touchdown passes separated by little over a minute to draw the Chargers within three points. The Broncos couldn't put points on the board in their next two possessions, leaving the door open for Rivers and Co. He would push the Chargers to Denver's 26-yard line with five seconds left, but the Broncos would close the door in thrilling fashion as Shelby Harris blocked the 44-yard attempt by Younghoe Koo.
3. Broncos 39, Chargers 38 (Week 2, 2008 season)
In the mid-2000s, San Diego was in command of the rivalry with the Broncos. Beginning in 2006, the Chargers built a four-game winning streak (with a scoring differential of 147-55) over the Denver for the first time since the late-1960s. The Broncos snapped that streak in 2008 in part because of heroic performances by Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall and an officiating error, and in spite of a great game by Rivers. After the Broncos built a 21-3 second-quarter lead, Rivers helped rally the Chargers. Midway through the fourth quarter, Cutler had the Broncos four yards from the end zone before throwing an interception. Three plays later, Rivers found Darren Sproles for a 66-yard touchdown to take a 38-31 lead. However, on Denver's ensuing drive, Cutler marched the Broncos back down the field to the 1-yard line. Then disaster nearly struck when Cutler clearly appeared to fumble as he brought the ball up to throw. But referee Ed Hochuli whistled the play dead and called it an incomplete pass, and instant-replay rules could not reverse the call to give San Diego possession. Instead, Cutler found Eddie Royal for a touchdown and then threw another dart to him for a two-point conversion to win the game.
2. Broncos 24, Chargers 17 (2013 Divisional Round)
In Denver's only playoff game against the Chargers, Peyton Manning and the Broncos looked to continue their run of offensive success that torched NFL record books. Through three quarters, they held a commanding 17-0 lead, but Rivers put the pressure on with three consecutive scoring drives, including two touchdown passes to Keenan Allen. Trailing 24-17 with about four minutes remaining, the Chargers needed a defensive stop for a chance to win or force overtime. Early in the drive, it appeared Rivers would soon get his chance. The Broncos faced third-and-17 after a false start, a run for a loss of 2 yards and an incomplete pass. Anything less than a first down would have returned the ball to San Diego, and an incomplete pass may have done that and given the Chargers great field position. Instead, Manning eluded pressure and found Julius Thomas wide open down the right sideline for the first down. After two more first downs, the Broncos were able to run out the clock and move in their run to Super Bowl XLVIII.