Denver's third-quarter surge decided the game

Broncos Rally Past Chargers 23-17; J.K. Dobbins Leads Ground Game

The Denver Broncos improved to 3-2 with a 23-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, pulling away by outscoring Los Angeles 13-0 in the third quarter to put the game away.

The decisive period provided the separation the Broncos needed in what became a one-possession game late. Denver's balance and a productive third quarter swung momentum and preserved the win, moving the team above .500 early in the season.

J.K. Dobbins carried the workload and sent a message

J.K. Dobbins led the Broncos' offense with 20 total touches for 74 yards and a rushing touchdown in the win, Yahoo! News reported. That contribution made Dobbins the team's most-used offensive back on Sunday and helped Denver control portions of the game on the ground.

Yahoo! News also noted this was Dobbins' first victory over the Chargers as a Bronco. The outlet reported Dobbins played against Los Angeles during Denver's Week 2 loss in 2025, and that he missed another game against the Chargers later that season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 10.

After the game Dobbins posted a brief message on X, which Yahoo! News described as a simple note directed at his former club. The same report referenced a "pinky promise of health" Dobbins made at the start of the 2026 season and indicated he has, so far, held up his end of that pledge.

Yahoo! News framed the team's outlook for the running back as cautious, projecting that Denver hopes Dobbins can maintain his health throughout the long season to remain available and productive.

The victory provides the Broncos with breathing room in the early standings and validates the team's ability to close out a tight game after halftime. Denver's third-quarter scoring burst and Dobbins' steady work between the tackles were central to the result, handing the Chargers a narrow defeat and sending the Broncos to 3-2 on the year.

J.K. Dobbins

Broncos Overcome Chargers with Dominant Third Quarter in 23-17 Win

J.K. Dobbins