Rivers sets Chargers passing mark in win over Broncos
Philip Rivers became the San Diego Chargers' all-time leader in passing yards as the California club held on for a 21-13 NFL victory over the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
Josh Lambo kicked four field goals for the Chargers, who snapped a three-game losing streak and also broke a 10-game skid against AFC West division rivals.
The Broncos, meanwhile, were unable to bounce back from their loss on Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons, falling to 4-2 as their offense struggled throughout.
Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian, who didn't start last weekend due to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, completed 30 of 50 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown.
Siemian hit Bennie Fowler for a 5-yard scoring reception midway through the fourth quarter, drawing the Broncos within 21-10.
The Broncos made another push with four minutes remaining when it appeared running back C.J. Anderson scored. However, the Broncos were flagged for holding, and Chargers linebacker Jatavis Brown, who had a sack in the series, forced a Demaryius Thomas fumble.
Denver got a 46-yard field goal from Brandon McManus with 27 seconds left to make it 21-13, then recovered an onside kick but couldn't score again.
Rivers completed 18 of 29 passes for 178 yards and a five-yard touchdown toss to Hunter Henry that capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive and put the hosts up 7-0 after seven minutes.
Rivers took his career total to 43,047 passing yards with a short pass to Henry that turned into a 12-yard completion in the second quarter. He ended the night with 43,094 yards.
Dan Fouts threw for 43,040 yards in his 15-year career, all spent with San Diego from 1973-86.