Manning back in the saddle for Broncos’ win

DENVER — Peyton Manning’s stint as a backup didn’t last very long.

Manning replaced Brock Osweiler in the third quarter Sunday and led the Broncos a 27-20 win over the San Diego Chargers that clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs for Denver.

“My gut told me to turn it over to him,” coach Gary Kubiak said.

Combined with New England’s loss at Miami, the Broncos (12-4) secured the No. 1 seed even as they head into the playoffs with a quarterback quandary on their hands.

Kubiak wouldn’t say who his starter will be in the playoffs, but insisted, “I don’t think we have uncertainty. ... We just find a way as a football team to be successful.”

The Chargers (4-12) wrapped up what might have been their final season representing San Diego as ownership tries to move the team to L.A.

The Broncos were facing the possibility of tumbling into the wild-card round because of Kansas City’s 10th consecutive win when Manning came to the rescue.

Manning’s stat line — 5 for 9 for 69 yards, no TDs, no interceptions and one sack — belied the impact he had. He led Denver on four scoring drives in five possessions.

Manning was healthy enough to suit up for the first time in seven weeks. Previously in street clothes, he had watched his longtime understudy either from the sideline or on TV while dealing with an injured left foot.

This was Manning’s first game serving as a backup since his freshman year at Tennessee when he replaced an injured Todd Helton against Mississippi State on Sept. 24, 1994.

Because he didn’t start, Manning didn’t break the tie he holds with Brett Favre for most regular-season wins, 186.