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NFL · Week 17 · January 2, 2011 · 12 min read

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos: 2010 Week 17 Recap

Chargers defeat Broncos 33–28 in Week 17

C.Buckhalter led Fantasy Impact as Chargers prevailed in a 33–28 Week 17 finish.

Los Angeles Chargers 33 9–7 Winner
Final 33–28
Denver Broncos 28 4–12
Winner
Los Angeles Chargers
Final score
33–28
Halftime
Los Angeles Chargers 16–7 Denver Broncos
Top passer
T. Tebow
FantasyHQ MVP
C.Buckhalter
Game date
January 2, 2011

Top fantasy performers · Chargers

  • Philip Rivers
    Philip Rivers 21/43 · 284 YDS +3.2 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Washington 2 REC · 20 YDS +3.0 Fantasy Impact
  • L.Naanee 4 REC · 79 YDS +2.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • C.Buckhalter 4 REC · 49 YDS +4.3 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Tebow 16/46 · 256 YDS · 3 TD +2.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Derrick Graham
    Derrick Graham 2 REC · 41 YDS +1.7 Fantasy Impact
View Chargers vs Broncos box score View all 2010 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 33–28 in Week 17 of the 2010 NFL season on 2011-01-02, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (-15.6% win probability) came in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Chargers swung the momentum.

In Week 17 of the 2010 NFL season on 2011-01-02, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Denver Broncos, pulling away with a 33–28 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

T. Tebow (Denver Broncos) paced the passing game, with +2.70 total EPA, and -9.7% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, C. Buckhalter (Denver Broncos) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.32 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-15.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (5:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 23-R.Hill at DEN 29. 23-R.Hill to LAC 40 for 31 yards (66-J.Clary).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Los Angeles Chargers016107033
Denver Broncos70714028

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 C. Buckhalter · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.32 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
  2. 2 P. Rivers · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +3.23 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
  3. 3 K. Washington · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.05 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
  4. 4 L. Naanee · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.72 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
  5. 5 T. Tebow · Denver Broncos · Passing · +2.70 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
  6. 6 V. Jackson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.48 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
  7. 7 R. McMichael · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.36 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.18 EPA/play
  8. 8 R. Mathews · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +2.27 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

C. Buckhalter — DEN · Receiving

C. Buckhalter posted the highest total EPA (+4.32) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Denver Broncos's efficiency. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +1.08 EPA per play.

The signature play (+5.99 EPA) came from Denver Broncos: 10-N.Kaeding kicks 67 yards from LAC 30 to DEN 3. 41-C.Vaughn for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Denver Broncos — B. Lloyd (T. Tebow pass) (Q1 48:03)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — R. Mathews (Q2 44:00)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — R. Mathews (Q3 26:19)
  • Denver Broncos — E. Decker (T. Tebow pass) (Q3 18:22)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — R. Mathews (Q4 8:04)
  • Denver Broncos — C. Vaughn (Q4 7:55)
  • Denver Broncos — T. Tebow (Q4 0:32)

Field goals

  • Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding (Q2 40:04)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding (Q2 33:49)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding (Q2 30:13)
  • Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding (Q3 23:35)

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 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 14 (Q1 48:03) — (3:03) 15-T.Tebow pass short right to 84-B.Lloyd for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q1 47:57) — 3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 16–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 27 (Q2 44:00); Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 43:52) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 24 (Q2 40:04) — (10:04) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 27 (Q2 33:49) — (3:49) 10-N.Kaeding 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 29 (Q2 30:13) — (:13) 10-N.Kaeding 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 12 (Q3 26:19) — (11:19) 24-R.Mathews left tackle for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 26:10) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 19 (Q3 23:35) — (8:35) 10-N.Kaeding 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q3 18:22) — (3:22) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow pass short middle to 87-E.Decker for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 18:15) — 3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 31 (Q4 8:04) — (8:04) 24-R.Mathews left end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q4 7:55) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 30 (Q4 7:55) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 67 yards from LAC 30 to DEN 3. 41-C.Vaughn for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 7:42) — 3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 6 (Q4 0:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow scrambles up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 0:26) — 3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 50:51) — (5:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 23-R.Hill at DEN 29. 23-R.Hill to LAC 40 for 31 yards (66-J.Clary). [WPA -15.6% · EPA -5.08]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 41:23) — (11:23) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 80-M.Floyd to DEN 7 for 41 yards (20-B.Dawkins). Penalty on DEN-32-P.Cox, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. [WPA +15.5% · EPA +4.20]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow pass incomplete deep left to 84-B.Lloyd. [WPA -14.9% · EPA -0.15]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:26) — (Onside Kick formation) 3-S.Hauschka kicks onside 10 yards from DEN 30 to DEN 40. RECOVERED by DEN-81-R.Quinn. [WPA -13.6% · EPA -0.38]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 44:00) — (14:00) 24-R.Mathews up the middle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on DEN-20-B.Dawkins, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced between downs. [WPA +8.9% · EPA +3.17]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Denver Broncos (Q4 7:55) — 10-N.Kaeding kicks 67 yards from LAC 30 to DEN 3. 41-C.Vaughn for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +1.9% · EPA +5.99]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 50:51) — (5:51) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle intended for 80-M.Floyd INTERCEPTED by 23-R.Hill at DEN 29. 23-R.Hill to LAC 40 for 31 yards (66-J.Clary). [WPA -15.6% · EPA -5.08]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 8:04) — (8:04) 24-R.Mathews left end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +3.8% · EPA +4.96]
  • Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 41:23) — (11:23) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 80-M.Floyd to DEN 7 for 41 yards (20-B.Dawkins). Penalty on DEN-32-P.Cox, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. [WPA +15.5% · EPA +4.20]

Quarterback report card

T.Tebow led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • T.Tebow (Denver Broncos) · 46 dropbacks · 34.8% completion · -9.7% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.70 total EPA
  • P.Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 43 dropbacks · 48.8% completion · -0.3% CPOE · +0.08 EPA/play · +3.23 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatLos Angeles ChargersDenver Broncos
Offensive EPA/play+0.096-0.008
Offensive success rate43.0%38.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.075+0.059
Rush EPA/play+0.098-0.323
Defensive EPA/play+0.008-0.096
Defensive success rate61.4%57.0%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.10 vs -0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

  • Denver Broncos: 15 drives, -0.66 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 14 drives, +8.97 total EPA, 7 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

  • Los Angeles Chargers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
  • C. Buckhalter (Denver Broncos) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • T. Tebow (DEN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 48:03 · LAC 14 · Score 0-6
    (3:03) 15-T.Tebow pass short right to 84-B.Lloyd for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 47:57 · LAC 2 · Score 0-7
    3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  3. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 44:00 · DEN 27 · Score 6-7
    (14:00) 24-R.Mathews up the middle for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on DEN-20-B.Dawkins, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced between downs.
  4. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 43:52 · DEN 2 · Score 7-7
    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  5. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 40:04 · DEN 24 · Score 10-7
    (10:04) 10-N.Kaeding 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  6. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 33:49 · DEN 27 · Score 13-7
    (3:49) 10-N.Kaeding 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  7. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 30:13 · DEN 29 · Score 16-7
    (:13) 10-N.Kaeding 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  8. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 26:19 · DEN 12 · Score 22-7
    (11:19) 24-R.Mathews left tackle for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 26:10 · DEN 2 · Score 23-7
    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  10. Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 23:35 · DEN 19 · Score 26-7
    (8:35) 10-N.Kaeding 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  11. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 18:22 · LAC 6 · Score 26-13
    (3:22) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow pass short middle to 87-E.Decker for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 18:15 · LAC 2 · Score 26-14
    3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  13. Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 8:04 · DEN 31 · Score 32-14
    (8:04) 24-R.Mathews left end for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 7:55 · DEN 2 · Score 33-14
    10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
  15. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 7:55 · LAC 30 · Score 33-20
    10-N.Kaeding kicks 67 yards from LAC 30 to DEN 3. 41-C.Vaughn for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 7:42 · LAC 2 · Score 33-21
    3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  17. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 0:32 · LAC 6 · Score 33-27
    (:32) (Shotgun) 15-T.Tebow scrambles up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  18. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 0:26 · LAC 2 · Score 33-28
    3-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos 33-28 in Week 17, 2010 on 2011-01-02.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?

The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 33, Denver Broncos 28 (LAC 33-28 DEN) in Week 17, 2010 on 2011-01-02.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?

Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 16, Denver Broncos 0; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Denver Broncos 14; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 33, Denver Broncos 28.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?

Denver Broncos touchdown — B. Lloyd (T. Tebow pass) (Q1 48:03) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Mathews (Q2 44:00) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Mathews (Q3 26:19) Denver Broncos touchdown — E. Decker (T. Tebow pass) (Q3 18:22) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — R. Mathews (Q4 8:04) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Vaughn (Q4 7:55) Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Tebow (Q4 0:32) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 40:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 33:49, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q2 30:13, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q3 23:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?

T. Tebow (Denver Broncos), 34.8% completion, -9.7% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.70 total passing EPA. P. Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 48.8% completion, -0.3% CPOE, +0.08 EPA per dropback, +3.23 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?

C. Buckhalter (Denver Broncos) led the game in total EPA with +4.32 on receiving plays. across 4 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.99 EPA): 10-N.Kaeding kicks 67 yards from LAC 30 to DEN 3. 41-C.Vaughn for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -15.6%.

Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos a close game?

Yes — the margin was 5 points. Los Angeles Chargers won 33-28 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Chargers

Entered 8-7 Now 9-7 W

Denver Broncos

Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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