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San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle (32) intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (84) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Denver. Ed Andrieski, Associated Press
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (10) is tackled by San Diego Chargers linebacker Brandon Siler after a first down reception in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Denver. Ed Andrieski, Associated Press
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams (55) during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Denver. Ed Andrieski, Associated Press
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Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) rushes for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Denver. Ed Andrieski, Associated Press
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Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) is congratulated by teammates Ryan Clady (78) and Chris Kuper (73) after completing a 14-yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, Ed Andrieski, Associated Press
By Associated Press

DENVER — Rookie Ryan Mathews ran for three scores and Nate Kaeding kicked four field goals in the San Diego Chargers' 33-28 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

The Broncos finished 4-12, the first time in the franchise's 51-year history that they lost more than 11 games, but they did secure the No. 2 overall draft pick in April.

San Diego (9-7) missed the playoffs, ceding the AFC West title they had won four straight seasons to the upstart Kansas City Chiefs.

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Mathews topped 100 yards for the first time, gaining 120 yards on 26 carries and scoring on runs of 27, 12 and 31 yards.

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