Game story
In Week 15 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-12-14, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 22–10 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 13 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +0.44 total EPA, and -6.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, P. Manning (Denver Broncos) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.95 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-15.0% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (4:38) 9-N.Novak 37 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 3 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 22 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 P. Manning · Denver Broncos · Passing · +16.95 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 2 E. Sanders · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.55 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
- 3 D. Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.08 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 4 B. Oliver · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.59 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.90 EPA/play
- 5 J. Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.80 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.40 EPA/play
- 6 D. Brown · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.69 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 7 J. Stewart · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +1.50 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
- 8 W. Welker · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.99 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
P. Manning — DEN · Passing
P. Manning posted the highest total EPA (+16.95) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Denver Broncos's efficiency. Across 23 counted snaps, they averaged +0.74 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.31 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (2:04) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 26-R.Moore at DEN -5. 26-R.Moore to DEN 14 for 19 yards (34-D.Brown).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — D. Thomas (P. Manning pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Novak
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 1 (Q1 51:59) — (6:59) 1-C.Barth 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 6–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 8 (Q2 44:25) — (14:25) 1-C.Barth 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 1 (Q2 31:53) — (1:53) 1-C.Barth 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 12 (Q2 30:14) — (:14) 9-N.Novak 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 28 (Q3 15:38) — (:38) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 88-D.Thomas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 15:31) — 1-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–6. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 5 (Q4 10:16) — (10:16) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q4 10:13) — 9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 31 (Q4 4:58) — (4:58) 1-C.Barth 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 26 (Q4 4:01) — (4:01) 1-C.Barth 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 19:38) — (4:38) 9-N.Novak 37 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 54:29) — (9:29) 18-P.Manning pass deep middle to 88-D.Thomas pushed ob at LAC 22 for 36 yards (26-B.Flowers).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 37:03) — (7:03) 9-N.Novak 46 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-D.Wolfe), Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 45:41) — (:41) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 80-J.Thomas pushed ob at LAC 12 for 30 yards (32-E.Weddle).
- Denver Broncos (Q3 15:38) — (:38) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 88-D.Thomas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:04) — (2:04) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 26-R.Moore at DEN -5. 26-R.Moore to DEN 14 for 19 yards (34-D.Brown).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 4:27) — (4:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Talib at LAC 38. 21-A.Talib to LAC 34 for 4 yards (16-S.Ajirotutu).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 31:10) — (1:10) 4-B.Colquitt punts 51 yards to LAC 25, Center-46-A.Brewer. 11-E.Royal to DEN 17 for 58 yards (85-V.Green, 4-B.Colquitt).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 37:03) — (7:03) 9-N.Novak 46 yard field goal is BLOCKED (95-D.Wolfe), Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
Quarterback report card
P.Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 46 dropbacks · 52.2% completion · -6.1% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.44 total EPA
- P.Manning (Denver Broncos) · 23 dropbacks · 60.9% completion · +12.6% CPOE · +0.74 EPA/play · +16.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.044 | -0.165 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.1% | 38.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.628 | +0.009 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.256 | -0.294 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.165 | -0.044 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.4% | 51.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Denver Broncos generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.17), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Denver Broncos: 11 drives, +3.48 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 10 drives, -13.66 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- P. Manning (Denver Broncos) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- P. Rivers (LAC) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- P. Manning (DEN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 51:59 · LAC 1 · Score 3-0
(6:59) 1-C.Barth 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 44:25 · LAC 8 · Score 6-0
(14:25) 1-C.Barth 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 31:53 · LAC 1 · Score 9-0
(1:53) 1-C.Barth 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:14 · DEN 12 · Score 9-3
(:14) 9-N.Novak 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 15:38 · LAC 28 · Score 15-3
(:38) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 88-D.Thomas for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 15:31 · LAC 2 · Score 16-3
1-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 10:16 · DEN 5 · Score 16-9
(10:16) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 10:13 · DEN 2 · Score 16-10
9-N.Novak extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-1-M.McBriar. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 4:58 · LAC 31 · Score 19-10
(4:58) 1-C.Barth 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 4:01 · LAC 26 · Score 22-10
(4:01) 1-C.Barth 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 22-10 in Week 15, 2014 on 2014-12-14.
What was the final score of Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Denver Broncos 22, Los Angeles Chargers 10 (DEN 22-10 LAC) in Week 15, 2014 on 2014-12-14.
What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Denver Broncos 3, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Denver Broncos 6, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q3: Denver Broncos 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q4: Denver Broncos 6, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Final: Denver Broncos 22, Los Angeles Chargers 10.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Thomas (P. Manning pass) (Q3 15:38) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 10:16) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q1 51:59, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q2 44:25, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q2 31:53, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Novak (Q2 30:14, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q4 4:58, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q4 4:01, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 52.2% completion, -6.1% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.44 total passing EPA. P. Manning (Denver Broncos), 60.9% completion, +12.6% CPOE, +0.74 EPA per dropback, +16.95 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers?
P. Manning (Denver Broncos) led the game in total EPA with +16.95 on passing plays. across 23 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.31 EPA): (2:04) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 85-A.Gates INTERCEPTED by 26-R.Moore at DEN -5. 26-R.Moore to DEN 14 for 19 yards (34-D.Brown).. The biggest win-probability swing was -15.0%.
Season records after this game
Denver Broncos
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 8-5 Now 8-6 L
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