NFL information: Chargers’ loss is the Broncos’ acquire

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The Denver Broncos formally ended the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ reign on high of the AFC West Saturday when the Houston Texans topped the Los Angeles Chargers, 20-16.

The Broncos pulled out a victory over the Chiefs Thursday night time and obtained the bonus present of a Chargers loss.

It’s Denver’s first division title because the 2015 season, which can be the final time the crew received the Tremendous Bowl.

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix rolls out seeking to move in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in the course of the first half Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Kansas Metropolis, Mo. (AP Photograph/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas Metropolis had received the division title every year because the 2016 season when Alex Smith was nonetheless the beginning quarterback. After Smith handed the torch to Patrick Mahomes , the Chiefs’ successful continued. This yr, the Chiefs appeared out of types on each side of the ball. Accidents had rather a lot to do with it. Kansas Metropolis additionally didn't win shut video games. The crew dropped to 6-10 with their loss to Denver.

The Texans stayed in rivalry for the AFC South title with the win. C.J. Stroud had two large landing passes within the first quarter, a 75-yarder to Jayden Higgins and a 43-yarder to Jaylin Noel.

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Houston Texans broad receiver Jayden Higgins, left, celebrates his landing with broad receiver Nico Collins in the course of the first half in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Kevork Djansezian)

Houston’s protection stymied Justin Herbert sufficient to win the sport. Herbert threw an interception on the objective line within the second quarter to finish their risk. When Los Angeles pressured a turnover on the next Houston drive, the Chargers didn't get factors on the board once more after Cameron Dicker missed a subject objective strive.

The Chargers made it a recreation within the second half when Herbert threw a landing move to Oronde Gadsden within the third quarter and Omarion Hampton discovered the top zone on a 5-yard landing scamper within the fourth. The Chargers by no means acquired the ball again after the Hampton rating.

Herbert was 21 of 32 passing for 236 yards and an interception. He was sacked 5 occasions.

Stroud was 16 of 28 for 244 yards with two landing passes and two interceptions.

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Houston’s win additionally meant the Indianapolis Colts have been eradicated from playoff rivalry. The Colts began the season 7-1, however haven’t received a recreation since Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles damage.