B

Rivers' 143.9 passer rating overcomes a few flubs.

RUNNING BACKS

A

LT gave this grade to himself. He didn't have much to do, but he was enough.

RECEIVERS

A

Chambers makes an immediate impact. Gates is from outer space. Jackson actually did play.

OFFENSIVE LINE

A

Linemen blocked when they had to, and for a long time, they didn't have to.

DEFENSIVE LINE

B

Williams was out and the Texans ran more than usual, but somebody had to be bored. Give them a break. The Texans stunk.

LINEBACKERS

A-

Wilhelm is a good player, folks, and the team hasn't lost since he's returned. But will Phillips return soon?

SECONDARY

A

Antonio Cromartie's so good he doesn't start.

SPECIAL TEAMS

A

Coverage is beyond terrific. Scifres' punting average is a mere 53.8 (50.2 net). But they must do more on returns. Too many athletes not to.

COACHING

A

Norv Turner is a genius.

NEXT OPPORTUNITY:

At Minnesota A

The Twins are having a bad year.

BY THE NUMBERS

3

Consecutive victories for Chargers after losing three straight games

3

Touchdown passes at home this season for Philip Rivers – all yesterday

4

Games since Chargers last allowed a rushing TD

+5

Chargers' giveaway-takeaway ratio, their highest in one game since also going +5 in the 1999 season opener at Cincinnati

50

Passes attempted by Chargers during their three-game winning streak

108

Passes attempted by Chargers during their three-game losing streak

128

Net passing yards for Chargers, the fifth time this season they've had 200 or fewer

60,439

Attendance, the smallest for a Chargers home game since 59,662 for the Nov. 7, 2004 game against New Orleans

– JAY POSNER