Denver Broncos best games by week, 2010-2019

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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 3: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the sideline in the first quarter of a game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 3, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Week 17: 2015 vs. San Diego Chargers

How many times have you seen Peyton Manning on the bench, in uniform, in a week 17 game in which his team was competing for the number one seed in the playoffs?

It’s only happened the one time, in case you were going to research it.

The Broncos were taking things slow with Manning in the 2015 season as he returned from an injury that caused him to miss nearly half of the season. He was healthy enough to play by week 17, but head coach Gary Kubiak went with Brock Osweiler to start anyway.

After a flurry of turnovers early in the game against the Chargers of this week 17 matchup — which weren’t all Brock Osweiler’s fault — Kubiak pulled the short leash and let Manning take over.

Whether it was intangible or not, the return of Manning into the lineup of that week 17 game sparked the Denver Broncos in a tremendous way.

Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson combined for over 200 yards rushing and two touchdowns for Denver in this game, including Hillman’s game-winner in the fourth quarter.

The Broncos had to overcome a 13-7 deficit and a 20-17 deficit to win this game, and ultimately, the number one seed in the AFC.

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