Chargers Defeat Raiders, Clinch Playoff Spot

The Los Angeles Chargers secured a playoff spot with a 34-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, finishing the regular season with an 11-6 record and clinching the fifth seed in the AFC playoffs. Justin Herbert led the Chargers with 346 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Quentin Johnston had a standout performance with 13 receptions for 186 yards. The Chargers took control of the game late in the first half, scoring 17 consecutive points after trailing 10-3. This win marked their first victory in Las Vegas since 2020 and their first sweep of the Raiders since 2018. The Chargers will face the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, while the Raiders concluded their disappointing season at 4-13 and will reassess their coaching situation. Herbert's performance included a career-long 41-yard scramble that set up critical scoring plays, underscoring his pivotal role in the game.