Quick answer
- Winner
- Denver Broncos
- Final score
- Denver Broncos 27–20 Los Angeles Chargers
- Halftime
- Los Angeles Chargers 6–7 Denver Broncos at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- A. Gates
- Top passer
- Philip Rivers
- Biggest EPA play
- (13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2016-01-03
Game summary
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 27–20 on 2016-01-03. A. Gates posted a game-high +4.47 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Los Angeles Chargers | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
 Denver Broncos | 7 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 27 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
LACLos Angeles Chargers
(14:41) (No Huddle) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(10:15) 2-J.Lambo 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(5:56) 2-J.Lambo 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(5:29) 22-C.Anderson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(13:13) 8-B.McManus 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
(9:48) 8-B.McManus 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
(4:50) 23-R.Hillman right tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
DENDenver BroncosFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 14:41TD Drake ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- LAC 72
- Score
- 0-6
(14:41) (No Huddle) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 14:29XP Brandon McManusPoints+1
- Yard line
- LAC 15
- Score
- 0-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q1 10:15FG JLJ. LamboPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 32
- Score
- 3-7
(10:15) 2-J.Lambo 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q2 5:56FG JLJ. LamboPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 24
- Score
- 6-7
(5:56) 2-J.Lambo 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 8:27TD AGA. GatesPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 13
- Score
- 12-7
(8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q3 8:18XP JLJ. LamboPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 15
- Score
- 13-7
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 5:29TD Calvin AndersonPoints+6
- Yard line
- LAC 1
- Score
- 13-13
(5:29) 22-C.Anderson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 5:24XP Brandon McManusPoints+1
- Yard line
- LAC 15
- Score
- 13-14
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 13:13FG Brandon McManusPoints+3
- Yard line
- LAC 30
- Score
- 13-17
(13:13) 8-B.McManus 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 13:09TD Tyleik WilliamsPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 80
- Score
- 19-17
(13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- LACLos Angeles Chargers
Q4 12:58XP JLJ. LamboPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 20
- Score
- 20-17
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 9:48FG Brandon McManusPoints+3
- Yard line
- LAC 17
- Score
- 20-20
(9:48) 8-B.McManus 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 4:50TD RHR. HillmanPoints+6
- Yard line
- LAC 23
- Score
- 20-26
(4:50) 23-R.Hillman right tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 4:44XP Brandon McManusPoints+1
- Yard line
- LAC 15
- Score
- 20-27
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1A. Gates · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.47 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
- 2R. Hillman · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +4.28 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 3O. Daniels · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.87 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.87 EPA/play
- 4J. Herndon · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +0.95 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
- 5V. Green · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.88 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
- 6Tyleik Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.67 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
- 7R. Hillman · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.44 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 8J. Herndon · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +0.39 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
A. Gates — LAC · Receiving
A. Gates posted the highest total EPA (+4.47) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Los Angeles Chargers. Across 5 counted snaps, they averaged +0.89 EPA per play.
A. Gates's top snap (+3.22 EPA): (8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (+6.54 EPA): Philip Rivers — (13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
Philip Rivers led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers) · 44 dropbacks · 47.7% completion · -3.4% CPOE · -0.15 EPA/play · -6.75 total EPA
- B. Osweiler (Denver Broncos) · 24 dropbacks · 58.3% completion · +0.2% CPOE · -0.36 EPA/play · -8.71 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.113 | -0.063 |
| Offensive success rate | 38.0% | 42.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.153 | -0.253 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.170 | +0.082 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.063 | +0.113 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.1% | 62.0% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Chargers -0.11, Denver Broncos -0.06) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Los Angeles Chargers: -0.11 EPA/play (25th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: -0.06 EPA/play (38th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: 15 drives, -5.29 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 14 drives, -10.38 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — Drake Thomas (B. Osweiler pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Gates (Philip Rivers pass)
- Denver Broncos — Calvin Anderson
- Los Angeles Chargers — Tyleik Williams (Philip Rivers pass)
- Denver Broncos — R. Hillman
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Lambo
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Lambo
- Denver Broncos — Brandon McManus
- Denver Broncos — Brandon McManus
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–3. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 72 (Q1 14:41); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 14:29) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 32 (Q1 10:15) — (10:15) 2-J.Lambo 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DEN 24 (Q2 5:56) — (5:56) 2-J.Lambo 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 13 (Q3 8:27) — (8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 8:18) — 2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 1 (Q3 5:29) — (5:29) 22-C.Anderson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q3 5:24) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 13–7. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 30 (Q4 13:13) — (13:13) 8-B.McManus 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DEN 80 (Q4 13:09) — (13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DEN 20 (Q4 12:58) — 2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the LAC 17 (Q4 9:48) — (9:48) 8-B.McManus 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the LAC 23 (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 23-R.Hillman right tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q4 4:44) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 13:09) — (13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 7:02) — (7:02) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle intended for 88-D.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 31-A.Phillips (54-M.Ingram) [54-M.Ingram] at LAC 33. 31-A.Phillips pushed ob at DEN 28 for 39 yards (61-M.Paradis).
- Denver Broncos (Q3 11:31) — (11:31) (No Huddle) 22-C.Anderson up the middle to DEN 21 for 6 yards (50-M.Te'o). FUMBLES (50-M.Te'o), RECOVERED by LAC-37-J.Addae at DEN 32. 37-J.Addae to DEN 32 for no gain (11-J.Norwood).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 0:34) — (:34) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass incomplete short right to 39-D.Woodhead (36-K.Webster).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 8:27) — (8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 13:09) — (13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 7:02) — (7:02) 17-B.Osweiler pass deep middle intended for 88-D.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 31-A.Phillips (54-M.Ingram) [54-M.Ingram] at LAC 33. 31-A.Phillips pushed ob at DEN 28 for 39 yards (61-M.Paradis).
- Denver Broncos (Q1 14:41) — (14:41) (No Huddle) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the fiel
- Denver Broncos (Q2 14:27) — (14:27) (Shotgun) 17-B.Osweiler sacked at LAC 29 for -8 yards (23-S.Williams). FUMBLES (23-S.Williams) [23-S.Williams], RECOVERED by LAC-71-D.Square at LAC 29. 71-D.Square to LAC 29 for no gain (73-M.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 14:41 · LAC 72 · Score 0-6
(14:41) (No Huddle) 17-B.Osweiler pass short right to 88-D.Thomas for 72 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the fiel - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 14:29 · LAC 15 · Score 0-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 10:15 · DEN 32 · Score 3-7
(10:15) 2-J.Lambo 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 5:56 · DEN 24 · Score 6-7
(5:56) 2-J.Lambo 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 8:27 · DEN 13 · Score 12-7
(8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 8:18 · DEN 15 · Score 13-7
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 5:29 · LAC 1 · Score 13-13
(5:29) 22-C.Anderson left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 5:24 · LAC 15 · Score 13-14
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 13:13 · LAC 30 · Score 13-17
(13:13) 8-B.McManus 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 13:09 · DEN 80 · Score 19-17
(13:09) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass deep middle to 16-T.Williams for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 12:58 · DEN 20 · Score 20-17
2-J.Lambo extra point is GOOD, Center-47-M.Windt, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 9:48 · LAC 17 · Score 20-20
(9:48) 8-B.McManus 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 4:50 · LAC 23 · Score 20-26
(4:50) 23-R.Hillman right tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 4:44 · LAC 15 · Score 20-27
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- A. Gates (Los Angeles Chargers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Philip Rivers (LAC) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos on 2016-01-03?
The Denver Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 27-20 in Week 17, 2015.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 3, Denver Broncos 0; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Denver Broncos 13; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 20, Denver Broncos 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Thomas (B. Osweiler pass) (Q1 14:41) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Gates (P. Rivers pass) (Q3 8:27) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Anderson (Q3 5:29) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — T. Williams (P. Rivers pass) (Q4 13:09) Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Hillman (Q4 4:50) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — J. Lambo (Q1 10:15, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — J. Lambo (Q2 5:56, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q4 13:13, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q4 9:48, 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?
Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), 47.7% completion, -3.4% CPOE, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -6.75 total passing EPA. B. Osweiler (Denver Broncos), 58.3% completion, +0.2% CPOE, -0.36 EPA per dropback, -8.71 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos?
A. Gates (Los Angeles Chargers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.47 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 5 snaps. Their top snap (+3.22 EPA): (8:27) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 85-A.Gates for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Denver Broncos won 27-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L
Denver Broncos
Entered 11-4 Now 12-4 W
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