Broncos to face Patriots next week

The Denver Broncos will play the New England Patriots next week in a showdown for the AFC championship and a Super Bowl berth.

The Broncos beat the Chargers 24 – 17.

Peyton Manning led the Broncos down the field with less than 3:00 left in the game to protect that late lead.

The Chargers had pulled within one score on two touchdown passes from Phillip Rivers to Keenan Allen and a Nick Novak field goal in the fourth quarter.