DENVER (01/12/2014) Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate Keenan Allen caught six passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to keep the San Diego Chargers' (10-8) season alive.
The Denver Broncos (14-3) cruised to a 24-17 win and will advance to the AFC Championship game where they'll host the New England Patriots next Sunday.
Under the protection of an offensive line that didn't allow a sack the entire game, Peyton Manning threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns earning his first postseason win as a Bronco.
After a three-yard touchdown run by Knowshon Moreno gave the Broncos a 24-7 lead with 7:38 left to play, Phillip Rivers connected with Allen for a 16-yard touchdown after going for it on 4th-and-5.
The Chargers recovered the ensuing onside kick, but ended up settling for a 30-yard field goal by Nick Novak to cut the Broncos' lead to 24-17.
With 3:53 left to play, the Chargers decided to put their trust in the defense instead of attempting another onside kick. Manning converted three third downs including a critical 3rd-and-17, allowing the Broncos to run out the clock.
The last time these teams met, the Chargers controlled the clock 38:49 to 21:11 while putting up 177 yards on the ground en route to a 27-20 win at Denver. This time the Broncos won the time of possession battle 35:27 to 24:33 and totaled 133 yards on the ground.
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