Chargers vs. Broncos Winners and Losers: Justin Herbert, Cameron Dicker

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers are one step closer to their playoff spot.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 34-27 in a crucial AFC West primetime matchup.

Herbert had a successful 78-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, and the Chargers were able to maintain and maintain their lead.

Denver and Los Angeles started Week 16 with 17.6 points per game, the best mark in the NFL. Still, both offenses were able to move the football in different phases of Thursday’s game.

The win ended a two-game losing streak for the Chargers, who won the season series against Denver. The win gives the Chargers a 97% chance of reaching the postseason, according to NFL.com.

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USA TODAY Sports breaks down the winners and losers from Thursday’s game:

winner

Justin Herbert

Herbert was outstanding on Thursday night, aside from a bad interception in the second quarter.

The Chargers’ quarterback led Los Angeles with a 78-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter that gave the Chargers momentum. His 19-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Derius Davis was an outstanding off-platform throw that showcased the QB’s arm strength.

Later in the fourth quarter, Herbert orchestrated a six-play, 90-yard touchdown drive. On third-and-10, he gained 16 yards. A few plays later, he threw a shovel pass to RB Hassan Haskins, and the running back ran for a 34-yard touchdown.

Herbert rushed for 284 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the win. The Chargers QB completed passes to 10 different players. He’s on pace to throw for the most yards in a player’s first five seasons.

Herbert currently has 20,466 passing yards. Peyton Manning rushed for an NFL record 20,618 yards in his first five seasons.

Cameron Dicker

Dicker converted a 57-yard fair catch kick. It was the first successful fair catch kick since 1976 and the longest in league history.

A Fair Catch interference by the Broncos at the end of the first half led to the rare opportunity.

Dicker also made a 37-yard field goal.

Chargers defense in the second half

Both teams came into Thursday night’s game averaging an NFL-low 17.6 points per game.

However, the Chargers defense gave up 21 points in the first half as Bo Nix led the Broncos on three consecutive scoring drives of at least 70 yards early in the game.

But Los Angeles’ defense settled down in the second half, holding Denver to 119 yards and a field goal after halftime.

Denver had a record of 5 for 13 on third downs in the game.

Ladd McConkey

The Chargers’ slot wide receiver knows how to get it open. McConkey had six catches on six targets for 87 yards.

Chargers playoff chances

According to NFL.com, the Chargers have a 97% chance of making the playoffs after Thursday night’s win.

loser

Broncos against good opponents

The Broncos are currently 1-6 against opponents with winning records this season.

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Chargers vs. Broncos Winners and Losers: Justin Herbert, Cameron Dicker

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