The Broncos will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
The Broncos will travel to Los Angeles for a prime-time matchup with a divisional rival in Week 16. Denver will look to clinch its first playoff berth since 2015 as the team looks to extend its four-game win streak.
The "Thursday Night Football" matchup will feature two of the league's top defenses, as the Broncos and Chargers are both tied with the Eagles for the fewest points allowed per game in 2024 (17.6). Los Angeles and Denver are also both in the top two in red-zone touchdown percentage allowed.
Denver leads the league with 49 sacks this season, and the Broncos could look to add to this tally on Thursday as they aim to pressure quarterback Justin Herbert. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto — whose 11.5 sacks are tied for the third most in the league — should look for another strong performance this week. In Week 15, Bonitto became just the second defender in franchise history to record defensive touchdowns in back-to-back games. Cornerback Pat Surtain II could also aim for another strong performance on Thursday after recording his fourth interception of the year in Week 15, matching his career-high for interceptions in a single season. Surtain is allowing the fewest yards per target (4.9) in the NFL among cornerbacks with at least 40 targets, and he should look to continue this lockdown coverage on Thursday.
Denver's offense, which found a rhythm late in the game vs. the Colts, should aim for a fast start on Thursday. Quarterback Bo Nix — who threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes to help seal the victory — could look to playmakers such as wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who leads the Broncos with 66 receptions, 878 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions this season.
Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. — who was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for a career-best performance in Week 15 — could look to continue to build momentum in the punt-return game on Thursday.
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos have ruled out cornerback Riley Moss (knee) and running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad). Defensive lineman John-Franklin-Myers (foot), defensive tackle D.J. Jones (finger) and cornerback Pat Surtain II (ankle) were not assigned game statuses, indicating they will be available to play in Thursday's game.
For Los Angeles, tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) and cornerback Cam Hart (concussion) have been ruled out. Tight end Hayden Hurst (hip), guard Zion Johnson, linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (pelvis) were listed as questionable, while defensive back Elijah Molden (knee) was listed as doubtful.
HOW TO WATCH, LISTEN AND LIVE STREAM
WATCH NATIONALLY: Amazon Prime Video
Play-by-Play: Al Michaels
Analyst: Kirk Herbstreit
Sideline: Kaylee Hartung
WATCH LOCALLY: DENVER7
WATCH LOCALLY VIA STREAMING: NFL+
Stream prime-time games on mobile devices on NFL+.
An NFL+ subscription includes the ability to stream live local and prime-time games on mobile and tablet devices, access to NFL Network and live game audio (home, away and national calls) for every game of the season. NFL+ Premium subscriptions also include NFL RedZone and full-game replays across devices.
LISTEN LOCALLY: KOA – 850 AM/94.1 FM
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
LISTEN OUT OF MARKET: SiriusXM
Listen on channel 225 or on the SXM app (siriusxm.us/BroncosSXM).
PERSONALIZE YOUR OPTIONS: Ways to Watch
Visit the NFL's game guide to input your zip code and figure out how you can watch Thursday's game in your area.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
