INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers are closer to securing a playoff berth.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers emerged victorious against the Denver Broncos, winning 34-27 in an important AFC West showdown.

In the fourth quarter, Herbert led a crucial 78-yard drive that put the Chargers in the lead, allowing them to maintain their advantage for the remainder of the game.

Both teams entered Week 16 with strong defenses, giving up only 17.6 points per game, the best in the NFL. However, both offenses found ways to score at various points during the game.

This victory halted the Chargers’ two-game losing streak and marked a sweep of the season series against the Broncos. Following the win, the Chargers are given a 97% chance of making it to the playoffs, per NFL.com.

YSL News Sports highlights the key winners and losers from Thursday’s game:

Winners

Justin Herbert

Herbert had an impressive performance, despite a single costly interception in the second quarter.

He spearheaded a 78-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter that reinvigorated the Chargers. His notable 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Derius Davis showcased his arm strength with an off-balance throw.

Later, Herbert marshaled a six-play, 90-yard touchdown drive, including a crucial 16-yard scramble on third-and-10. He then executed a shovel pass to RB Hassan Haskins, who scored on a 34-yard dash.

In total, Herbert threw for 284 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, connecting with 10 different receivers. He is on track to achieve the most passing yards in a quarterback’s initial five seasons.

Currently, Herbert’s passing yardage stands at 20,466. The record for the most passing yards in the first five seasons belongs to Peyton Manning at 20,618 yards.

Cameron Dicker

Dicker made history by converting a 57-yard fair catch kick, marking the first successful kick of its kind since 1976 and the longest in NFL history.

This opportunity arose due to a fair catch interference penalty against the Broncos at the end of the first half.

Dicker also successfully completed a 37-yard field goal.

Chargers’ second-half defense

Entering the game, both teams had the lowest allowed points per game in the NFL, at 17.6.

However, the Chargers’ defense struggled early on, conceding 21 points in the first half as Bo Nix led the Broncos to three consecutive scoring drives of 70 yards or more.

Post halftime, the Chargers’ defense tightened up, limiting Denver to just 119 yards and two field goals in the second half.

The Broncos converted only 5 of 13 third downs throughout the game.

Ladd McConkey

The Chargers’ slot receiver demonstrated excellent route-running abilities, catching all six targets for a total of 87 yards.

Chargers’ playoff hopes

Following the successful game, the Chargers now have a 97% chance to qualify for the playoffs, according to NFL.com.

Losers

Broncos vs. stronger teams

The Broncos have struggled this season, holding a 1-6 record against teams with winning records.

With two tough games ahead, they will face the Cincinnati Bengals on the road next week followed by a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18.

Broncos’ penalties

The team faced a penalty for fair catch interference, which provided Dicker the chance for his record-breaking kick just before halftime. Additionally, a late unnecessary roughness penalty on the Broncos extended the Chargers’ drive, leading to a 5-yard touchdown run by RB Gus Edwards.

These penalties contributed to a total of 10 points for the Chargers.

Broncos’ second half performance

Denver’s offense converted only 2 of 8 third downs after halftime and didn’t have any drive over 47 yards.

The defense also faltered, allowing three touchdowns in the second half, including a critical 90-yard drive that effectively sealed the game.

Overall, the Broncos were outscored 21-6 in the latter half.