If you're looking for the current Denver Broncos score, you likely caught the tail end of a season that's been nothing short of a Mile High fever dream. The Broncos capped off their regular season with a gritty 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on January 4, 2026.
It wasn't pretty. It wasn't a highlight-reel explosion. Honestly, it was a classic Sean Payton "win in the trenches" kind of day. But that score did something that seemed impossible two years ago: it locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Breaking Down the 19-3 Victory
The game at Empower Field was basically a defensive masterclass. While fans were hoping for Bo Nix to light up the scoreboard, the offense actually struggled to find the end zone. In fact, the Broncos didn't score an offensive touchdown the entire game.
So, how do you win by 16 points without an offensive TD?
- Wil Lutz was the MVP of the afternoon, through and through. He nailed four field goals, proving why Payton trusts him in big moments.
- The game-breaker came from the secondary. Ja'Quan McMillian jumped a route and took an interception 45 yards back to the house.
- The defense held the Chargers to a measly field goal, suffocating their backup-heavy lineup.
It was a professional win. The kind of win that says, "We don't need to be perfect to beat you; we just need to be tougher." With a final record of 14-3, Denver finished the year with the best winning percentage in the conference.
Why the Current Score Still Matters Right Now
Even though the game happened on January 4, people are still obsessing over that current Denver Broncos score because of what it bought the team: time.
By securing the 19-3 win, Denver earned the only first-round bye in the AFC. While the Buffalo Bills were busy beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round, the Broncos were sitting at home, healing up.
Specifically, they were waiting on Dre Greenlaw. The linebacker has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury since the Week 16 loss to Jacksonville. Because the Broncos took care of business against the Chargers, Greenlaw had an extra week of rehab. He’s already been spotted back at practice this Tuesday, which is massive for a defense that needs to stop Josh Allen.
The Road Ahead: Divisional Round
The focus has now shifted from the last score to the next one. Denver is set to host the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, January 17, at 2:30 p.m. MT.
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This is a revenge game, plain and simple. Last year, the Bills absolutely embarrassed Denver in the playoffs, winning 31-7. Sean Payton has basically spent the last year building a roster specifically to stop Buffalo's run game, bringing in guys like Talanoa Hufanga to play that "enforcer" role in the box.
A Look Back at the 2025-2026 Season
If you haven't been following every single snap, this 14-3 record might come as a shock. It wasn't always smooth sailing. Remember Week 2? That heart-wrenching 29-28 loss to the Colts? Or the 23-20 loss to the Chargers earlier in the year?
Denver found its identity in the mid-season. They went on a tear, winning close games against the Eagles (21-17), the Texans (18-15), and even an overtime thriller against the Commanders (27-26).
They aren't the highest-scoring team in the league. They aren't the flashiest. But they are 14-3, and they have the home-field advantage through the playoffs.
Key Stats from the Regular Season
| Stat Category | Season Total / Rank |
|---|---|
| Final Record | 14-3 (1st in AFC West) |
| Points Scored | 401 |
| Points Allowed | 311 |
| Point Differential | +90 |
| Home Record | 8-1 |
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
There’s a narrative out there that the Broncos are "lucky." Critics point to the fact that they haven't had an elite, 1,000-yard receiver this year. They talk about Bo Nix being a "game manager" rather than a gunslinger.
But honestly, that’s missing the point. This team is built on a "Super Bowl-caliber defense," as many analysts have noted. They win by making the other team miserable. When you hold an NFL opponent to 3 points, like they did in their last game, your quarterback doesn't need to throw for 400 yards.
The real question is whether this formula holds up against the Bills. Josh Allen is a different beast than what they faced in Week 18.
Actionable Insights for Broncos Fans
If you're tracking the current Denver Broncos score and looking ahead to the playoffs, here is what you need to do to stay prepared for the Divisional Round:
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Dre Greenlaw and John Franklin-Myers (hip). If both are 100%, Denver's defense becomes a nightmare for Buffalo's rushing attack.
- Check the Weather: Empower Field in mid-January is unpredictable. A cold, windy game favors Denver’s ball-control style and Wil Lutz's reliable leg.
- Review the Matchup: Buffalo's James Cook ran for 120 yards against Denver last year. Watch for how Sean Payton uses Talanoa Hufanga to stack the line of scrimmage early in the first quarter.
- Tune in Saturday: The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. MT on CBS. This is the first home playoff game in Denver since the 2015 season. The atmosphere will be electric.
The 19-3 win over the Chargers wasn't just a final score; it was a statement. Denver is back in the conversation, and for the first time in a decade, the road to the Super Bowl runs through the Mile High City.