So, you're looking for the final tally. If you tuned out after the regular season finale, you might be wondering why things feel a bit quiet in Colorado right now.
The Denver Broncos score was 19-3 in their last outing against the Los Angeles Chargers. That game went down on January 4, 2026, and it wasn't just another win. It was a statement. It was also the last time Bo Nix and the crew suited up for a meaningful snap, because that victory secured something the city hasn't seen in a decade: the number one seed in the AFC.
Right now, the Broncos are essentially in the eye of the storm. Because they clinched that top spot with a 14-3 record, they earned a first-round bye. While other teams were bruising each other in the Wild Card round last weekend, Sean Payton’s squad was resting.
The Game That Settled the Score: Broncos 19, Chargers 3
The regular-season finale wasn't exactly a high-flying offensive shootout, but if you're a fan of "Orange Crush" style defense, it was beautiful. Denver’s defense absolutely suffocated the Chargers, holding them to a lone field goal.
Basically, the game was won in the first quarter. Ja'Quan McMillian jumped a route and took an interception 45 yards back to the house. That pick-six set the tone. From there, it was the Wil Lutz show. Lutz was busy, knocking through four field goals from 24, 26, 41, and 23 yards.
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Bo Nix didn't have to be a superhero. He finished with 141 yards passing and another 49 on the ground. He played smart, mistake-free football, which is exactly what Payton wants heading into the postseason.
Why the Score on the Denver Broncos Game Matters Right Now
You've gotta realize that 19-3 score did more than just add a "W" to the column. It changed the entire path to the Super Bowl. By finishing 14-3, the Broncos ensured that any team wanting to represent the AFC in the big game has to come through the thin air of Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver has a 17-5 all-time record at home in the playoffs. That’s a massive psychological edge. Honestly, the rest of the conference is probably a little terrified of coming to Colorado in late January.
What’s Next: The Divisional Round
Since there was no game this past Sunday, the focus has shifted entirely to the upcoming Divisional Round. The "score" everyone is talking about now is the betting line for the next matchup.
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Denver is set to host the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MT.
It’s a massive rematch. Last year, the Bills knocked the Broncos out of the playoffs in a 31-7 blowout in Orchard Park. This time, the roles are reversed. Buffalo is coming off a gritty win against Jacksonville, but they have to travel to Denver. Interestingly, some sportsbooks actually opened with the Broncos as 1.5-point underdogs despite being the top seed.
Nix hasn't been shy about the "underdog" talk, recently telling reporters that the team feels more like "overdogs" given their home-field advantage and defensive consistency.
Keep an Eye on These Details
If you're following the team this week, watch the injury reports. Resting during the bye week was crucial for guys like Patrick Surtain II and the offensive line.
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- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver.
- Next Game Score to Watch: Bills vs. Broncos, Jan 17.
- Key Stat: Denver's defense leads the league in sacks with 46 through the regular season.
The city is buzzing. The 19-3 win over the Chargers wasn't just a score; it was the start of a championship run. If you're planning on watching the Divisional game, make sure your Saturday afternoon is clear—this is the biggest game in Denver since 2015.
Keep your eyes on the practice reports through Friday. If the Broncos defense stays healthy, Josh Allen is going to have a very long afternoon in the 303.
To stay ready for the game, check the final injury designations on Friday afternoon to see if the Broncos’ secondary is at full strength. Set your DVR or clear your schedule for 2:30 p.m. MT on Saturday to catch the kickoff on CBS.