# 1982 Denver Broncos season

The 1982 Denver Broncos season was the team's 23rd year in professional football and its 13th with the National Football League (NFL). The Broncos played only nine games this season, owing to the strike imposed by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). The Broncos were looking to improve on their 10–6 record from 1981. But due to many injuries plus the strike, the Broncos only won two games and lost seven. This was their worst record since 1971, their first losing season since 1975, and their first with fewer than three wins since 1964. Both of the Broncos’ wins came against interconference teams, and the team only won one home game the entire season, against the reigning Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers. Their only other win was against the Los Angeles Rams. The Broncos went winless against AFC foes in 1982, although all their non-division AFC games were cancelled by the strike.

## NFL Draft

1982 Denver Broncos draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 21 | Gerald Willhite | RB | San Jose State |
| 2 | 50 | Orlando McDaniel | WR | LSU |
| 4 | 106 | Dan Plater | WR | BYU |
| 5 | 131 | Sammy Winder * | RB | Southern Mississippi |
| 7 | 189 | Alvin Ruben | DE | Houston |
| 9 | 243 | Keith Uecker | OT | Auburn |
| 10 | 274 | Ken Woodard | LB | Tuskegee |
| 11 | 300 | Stuart Yatsko | G | Oregon |
| 12 | 327 | Brian Clark | G | Clemson |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | August 14 | at Los Angeles Rams | W 33–20 | 1–0 | Anaheim Stadium | 57,482 |
| 2 | August 21 | Miami Dolphins | W 17–14 | 2–0 | Mile High Stadium | 77,465 |
| 3 | August 28 | Minnesota Vikings | W 27–17 | 3–0 | Mile High Stadium | 73,371 |
| 4 | September 4 | at New York Jets | W 20–13 | 4–0 | Giants Stadium | 43,820 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | September 12 | San Diego Chargers | L 3–23 | 0–1 | Mile High Stadium | 73,564 |
| 2 | September 19 | San Francisco 49ers | W 24–21 | 1–1 | Mile High Stadium | 73,899 |
| — | September 26 | at New Orleans Saints | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| — | October 3 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| — | October 10 | at New York Jets | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| — | October 17 | at Houston Oilers | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| — | October 24 | Los Angeles Raiders | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| — | October 31 | Buffalo Bills | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| — | November 7 | at Seattle Seahawks | Postponed until January 2, 1983 due to the NFLPA Players' strike | Postponed until January 2, 1983 due to the NFLPA Players' strike | Postponed until January 2, 1983 due to the NFLPA Players' strike | Postponed until January 2, 1983 due to the NFLPA Players' strike |
| — | November 14 | at Kansas City Chiefs | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † | Cancelled due to the NFLPA Players' strike † |
| 10 | November 21 | Seattle Seahawks | L 10–17 | 1–2 | Mile High Stadium | 73,996 |
| 11 | November 28 | at San Diego Chargers | L 20–30 | 1–3 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 47,629 |
| 12 | December 5 | Atlanta Falcons | L 27–34 | 1–4 | Mile High Stadium | 73,984 |
| 13 | December 12 | at Los Angeles Rams | W 27–24 | 2–4 | Anaheim Stadium | 48,112 |
| 14 | December 19 | Kansas City Chiefs | L 16–37 | 2–5 | Mile High Stadium | 74,192 |
| 15 | December 26 | at Los Angeles Raiders | L 10–27 | 2–6 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | 44,160 |
| 16 | January 2, 1983 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 11–13 | 2–7 | Kingdome | 43,145 |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

### Game summaries
#### Week 1 (Sunday, September 12, 1982): vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 3 | 3 | 10 | 7 | 23 |
| Broncos | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 12
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 73,564
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Jim Turner (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| SD | Passing |
| SD | Rushing |
| SD | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SD | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Chargers | 50-yard field goal by Benirschke | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 40-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | 24-yard field goal by Benirschke | 6 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | 40-yard field goal by Benirschke | 9 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | Fitzkee 18-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 16 | 3 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Muncie 10-yard touchdown run, Benirschke kick good | 23 | 3 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 23 | 3 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 2 (Sunday, September 19, 1982): vs. San Francisco 49ers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Broncos | 7 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 19
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
* Game attendance: 73,899
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play–by–play) and John Madden (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| SF | Passing |
| SF | Rushing |
| SF | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SF | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | 49ers | Solomon 46-yard touchdown reception from Montana, Wersching kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | | — | — | — | Broncos | Upchurch 67-yard punt return for a touchdown, Karlis kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | 49ers | Moore 1-yard touchdown run, Wersching kick good | 14 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Parros 4-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 14 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | 49ers | Clark 24-yard touchdown reception from Montana, Wersching kick good | 21 | 14 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 37-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 21 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | 18-yard field goal by Karlis | 21 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21 | 24 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 10 (Sunday, November 21, 1982): vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 17 |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: November 21
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 73,966
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play–by–play) and Len Dawson (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| SEA | Passing |
| SEA | Rushing |
| SEA | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SEA | DEN |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Willhite 15-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 3 | | — | — | — | Seahawks | Interception returned 31 yards for touchdown by Scholtz, Johnson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 21-yard field goal by Karlis | 7 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | 25-yard field goal by Johnson | 10 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Largent 34-yard touchdown reception from Zorn, Johnson kick good | 17 | 10 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 10 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 11 (Sunday, November 28, 1982): at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 3 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
| Chargers | 0 | 17 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California
* Date: November 28
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 47,629
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play–by–play) and John Brodie (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| SD | Passing |
| SD | Rushing |
| SD | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | SD |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | 27-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Winslow 3-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | 41-yard field goal by Benirschke | 3 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Chargers | Winslow 28-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 3 | 17 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 16-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 10 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | DeBerg 6-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 17 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Chargers | 18-yard field goal by Benirschke | 17 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | 38-yard field goal by Karlis | 20 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | Winslow 2-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Benirschke kick good | 20 | 27 |
| 4 | | | | | Chargers | 42-yard field goal by Benirschke | 20 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20 | 30 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 12 (Sunday, December 5, 1982): vs. Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons (3–2) | 7 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 34 |
| Broncos (1–4) | 14 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 5
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 73,984
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (CBS): Jack Buck (play–by–play) and Hank Stram (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| ATL | Passing |
| ATL | Rushing |
| ATL | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | ATL | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Falcons | Andrews 8-yard touchdown run, Luckhurst kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Winder 3-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 6-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Falcons | Miller 9-yard touchdown reception from Bartkowski, Luckhurst kick good | 14 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | 31-yard field goal by Karlis | 14 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 26-yard field goal by Karlis | 14 | 20 |
| 3 | | | | | Falcons | Andrews 86-yard touchdown reception from Bartkowski, Luckhurst kick good | 21 | 20 |
| 3 | | | | | Falcons | 51-yard field goal by Luckhurst | 24 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Falcons | 51-yard field goal by Luckhurst | 27 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Falcons | Andrews 2-yard touchdown run, Luckhurst kick good | 34 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Wright 6-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 34 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 34 | 27 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 13 (Sunday, December 12, 1982): at Los Angeles Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 14 | 3 | 10 | 27 |
| Rams | 7 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 24 |
at Anaheim Stadium • Anaheim, California
* Date: December 12
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 48,112
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| RAM | Passing |
| RAM | Rushing |
| RAM | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | RAM |
| 1 | | | | | Rams | Guman 1-yard touchdown run, Lansford kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Rams | Tyler 1-yard touchdown run, Lansford kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Rams | Cromwell 17-yard touchdown run, Lansford kick good | 0 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Upchurch 51-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Parros 7-yard touchdown reception from DeBerg, Karlis kick good | 14 | 21 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 47-yard field goal by Karlis | 17 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | 18-yard field goal by Karlis | 20 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Parros 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 27 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Rams | 39-yard field goal by Lansford | 27 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 27 | 24 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 14 (Sunday, December 19, 1982): vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 3 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 37 |
| Broncos | 0 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: December 19
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,192
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play–by–play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| KC | Passing |
| KC | Rushing |
| KC | Receiving |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | KC | DEN |
| 1 | | | | | Chiefs | 47-yard field goal by Lowery | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Chiefs | Interception returned 56 yards for touchdown by Harris, Lowery kick good | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Willhite 2-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick no good | 10 | 6 |
| 2 | | — | — | — | Broncos | Upchurch 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, Karlis kick good | 10 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | 44-yard field goal by Karlis | 17 | 16 |
| 3 | | | | | Chiefs | 19-yard field goal by Lowery | 20 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | 22-yard field goal by Lowery | 23 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Chiefs | Carson 33-yard touchdown reception from Kenney, Lowery kick good | 30 | 16 |
| 4 | | — | — | — | Chiefs | Interception returned 43 yards for touchdown by Barbaro, Lowery kick good | 37 | 16 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 37 | 16 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 15 (Sunday, December 26, 1982): at Los Angeles Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Raiders | 3 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, California
* Date: December 26
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 44,160
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play–by–play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| RAI | Passing |
| RAI | Rushing |
| RAI | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | RAI |
| 1 | | | | | Raiders | 19-yard field goal by Bahr | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Raiders | Allen 4-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 0 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Raiders | King 5-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good | 0 | 17 |
| 2 | | | | | Raiders | Allen 51-yard touchdown reception from Plunkett, Bahr kick good | 0 | 24 |
| 2 | | | | | Raiders | 36-yard field goal by Bahr | 0 | 27 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | 31-yard field goal by Karlis | 3 | 27 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Watson 18-yard touchdown reception from Herrmann, Karlis kick good | 10 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 27 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

#### Week 16 (Sunday, January 2, 1983): at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 2 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 11 |
| Seahawks | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 13 |
at Kingdome • Seattle, Washington
* Date: January 2
* Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
* Game weather: indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 43,415
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (NBC): Phil Stone (play–by–play) and Gene Washington (color commentator)
| Team | Category |
| DEN | Passing |
| DEN | Rushing |
| DEN | Receiving |
| SEA | Passing |
| SEA | Rushing |
| SEA | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | DEN | SEA |
| 1 | | | | | Seahawks | 22-yard field goal by Johnson | 0 | 3 |
| 1 | | | | | Broncos | Brown tackled in end zone for a safety by Boyd | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Herrmann 6-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 9 | 3 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | 34-yard field goal by Johnson | 9 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Krieg tackled in end zone for a safety by Chavous | 11 | 6 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Carr 19-yard touchdown reception from Krieg, Johnson kick good | 11 | 13 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 11 | 13 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game:
* Game Statistics
* First downs
* Rushes–yards
* Passing yards
* Passes
* Sacked–yards
* Net passing yards
* Total yards
* Return yards
* Punts
* Fumbles–lost
* Penalties–yards
* Time of possession
Individual stats

## Standings

AFC West :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| Los Angeles Raiders$^{(1)}$ | 8 | 1 | 0 | .889 | 5–0 | 5–1 | 260 | 200 | W5 |
| San Diego Chargers$^{(5)}$ | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 2–3 | 5–3 | 288 | 221 | L1 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 2–1 | 3–5 | 127 | 147 | W1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | 2–1 | 3–3 | 176 | 184 | W1 |
| Denver Broncos | 2 | 7 | 0 | .222 | 0–6 | 0–6 | 148 | 226 | L3 |
AFCvte :
| # | Team | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA | STK |
| Seeded postseason qualifiers |||||||||
| 1 | Los Angeles Raiders | 8 | 1 | 0 | .889 | 260 | 200 | W5 |
| 2 | Miami Dolphins | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | 198 | 131 | W3 |
| 3 | Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | 232 | 177 | W2 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 204 | 146 | W2 |
| 5 | San Diego Chargers | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 288 | 221 | L1 |
| 6 | New York Jets | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | 245 | 166 | L1 |
| 7 | New England Patriots | 5 | 4 | 0 | .556 | 143 | 157 | W1 |
| 8 | Cleveland Browns | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 140 | 182 | L1 |
| Did not qualify for the postseason |||||||||
| 9 | Buffalo Bills | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 150 | 154 | L3 |
| 10 | Seattle Seahawks | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | 127 | 147 | W1 |
| 11 | Kansas City Chiefs | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | 176 | 184 | W1 |
| 12 | Denver Broncos | 2 | 7 | 0 | .222 | 148 | 226 | L3 |
| 13 | Houston Oilers | 1 | 8 | 0 | .111 | 136 | 245 | L7 |
| 14 | Baltimore Colts | 0 | 8 | 1 | .056 | 113 | 236 | L2 |
| Tiebreakers |||||||||
| 1 2 Miami finished ahead of Cincinnati based on better conference record (6–1 to Cincinnati’s 6–2). 1 2 Pittsburgh finished ahead of San Diego based on better record against common opponents (3–1 to Chargers' 2–1). Conference tiebreak was initially used to eliminate New York Jets. 1 2 3 Pittsburgh and San Diego finished ahead of New York Jets based on conference record (Pittsburgh and San Diego 5–3 against Jets’ 2–3) 1 2 3 Cleveland finished ahead of Buffalo and Buffalo ahead of Seattle based on conference record (4–3 to Buffalo’s 3–3 to Seattle’s 3–5). |||||||||