The Denver Broncos blasted the San Diego Chargers, 35-21 on Thursday night to improve to 6-1 for the National Football League (NFL) regular season in the game that saw Peyton Manning finish with 286 passing yards on 25-of-35 completions with three touchdowns-- all to Emmanuel Sanders (120 yards on 9 receptions). Manning and the Broncos have won four straight overall and are 5-0 at home so far this season.

Demaryius Thomas added 105 receiving yards (8 catches) while Ronnie Hillman had a total of 138 yards (109 rushing on 20 carries). Rookie running back Juwan Thompson (24 yards, 7 carries) rushed for two TDs as well.

After a scoreless first quarter, the teams exchanged a pair of TDs in the second but Manning found Sanders with 32 seconds to go before the half to make the score 14-7 in favour of the Broncos. Denver opened the second half strong with two TDs halfway in the quarter to take control of the game and eventually delivering the blowout victory.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers was 30-of-41 for 252 passing yards matching Manning's total TDs but had two interceptions for the Chargers, which dropped their third game in eight outings.

Along with the equally-hot Dallas Cowboys, the Broncos still own the best record in the entire league. Denver's sole loss came against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 when they got beat in overtime, 26-20.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have now suffered back-to-back defeat after the loss in Week 7 to the Kansas City Chiefs, 23-20. The game was a crucial one in the battle for the AFC West division; with the victory, Denver now has a 1 and 1/2 game lead in the team standings mid-way through the regular season.

Both teams play on the road in their next games, the Broncos will be tested by the New England Patriots while the Chargers will try to bounce back against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9.

View the slideshow for more images from NFL Thursday: San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

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Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs with the ball after catching a pass as Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) approaches to make the tackle during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) catches a pass during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) is tackled by San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass over San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a touchdown pass in front of San Diego Chargers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) pulls in his third touchdown catch past San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass as Denver Broncos center Manny Ramirez (66) and guard Orlando Franklin (74) provide protection during the first half against the at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Reuters
Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Juwan Thompson (40) is congratulated for his rushing touchdown by tackle Paul Cornick (71) and guard Orlando Franklin (74) in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Reuters
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