J.K. Dobbins, Broncos surge past Chargers 23-17 with late field goals

Denver’s early edge

J.K. Dobbins put Denver in front with a 2-yard touchdown run, and the Broncos held on for a 23-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Dobbins carried 18 times for 68 yards and a touchdown for Denver.

The Broncos led 7-0 after the first quarter. Los Angeles got on the board in the second period when Cameron Dicker made a 42-yard field goal, but Denver answered with Wil Lutz’s 34-yard field goal. The quarter scoring left Denver ahead 10-3 after two periods.

Chargers take control, then Denver responds

Los Angeles scored twice in the third quarter to move in front. Hayden Rucci caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert, followed by Kimani Vidal’s 42-yard touchdown run. Dicker kicked after both scores, giving the Chargers a 17-10 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Vidal finished with eight carries for 57 yards and a touchdown. Herbert completed 14 of 24 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Charlie Kolar led Los Angeles in receiving with three catches for 37 yards.

Lutz delivers in the fourth

Denver tied the game when Courtland Sutton caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix, with Lutz adding the kick. Lutz then put the Broncos ahead with a 19-yard field goal and added a 36-yard field goal for the final points.

Denver scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, while Los Angeles was held scoreless in the period. Nix completed 16 of 27 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown. Evan Engram had four receptions for 55 yards for the Broncos.

The Chargers were the home team before an announced attendance of 69,293. Denver moved to 3-2 with the win, while Los Angeles fell to 0-5. The quarter-by-quarter scoring was Denver 7, 3, 0, 13 and Los Angeles 0, 3, 14, 0.

Sources

ESPN