Chargers crush Patriots, clinch return to playoffs
Justin Herbert has thrown three touchdown passes to help the visiting Los Angeles Chargers clinch their second AFC playoff appearance in three seasons with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots.
Saturday's win also secured the fourth postseason appearance in Jim Harbaugh's five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers.
Herbert finished 26 of 38 for 281 yards for the Chargers (10-6) to become the third player in NFL history with at least 3000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson.
Ladd McConkey had eight catches for 94 yards and pulled in TD throws of 6 and 40 yards. JK Dobbins rushed 19 times for 76 yards and a TD.
The Patriots have lost six straight games, their second such losing streak of the season. They are now 2-14 the last two seasons at home.
New England quarterback Drake Maye finished 12 of 22 for 117 yards and a touchdown. He became the first rookie quarterback in franchise history with a TD pass in eight straight games.
But he was sacked four times, and a second-quarter fumble marked his eighth straight game with at least one turnover.
Los Angeles outgained New England 428-181 for the game.
