B-

If Philip Rivers can thread a needle at 30 yards, how come he has so much difficulty completing productive screen passes? Billy Volek reaffirms that he's better in a reserve role.

RUNNING BACKS

A

LaDainian Tomlinson reclaims the NFL rushing lead on his second carry and totals 107 yards despite serving as a spectator for most of the second half.

RECEIVERS

A

The Chris Chambers trade looks better with every tough catch he makes. Also doubling as acrobats are Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson.

OFFENSIVE LINE

B+

The pass protection is praiseworthy. The run-blocking is reliable. But the record also shows two holding penalties and a false start.

DEFENSIVE LINE

A+

In Jamal Williams' absence, both Igor Olshansky and Luis Castillo are big-play performers.

LINEBACKERS

A

Credit Shawne Merriman with a fumble recovery. Credit Shaun Phillips with a sack. Credit Matt Wilhelm with grit at the goal line.

SECONDARY

B+

Some sloppy tackling in the second half, but a huge day for Clinton Hart with a safety-blitz sack and his fifth interception.

SPECIAL TEAMS

C+

Kickoff coverage is a concern whenever the kicker must make a tackle, and moreso when the kicker gets hurt. Nate Kaeding is able to kick three field goals, but he is sufficiently bruised to cede the kickoff chores to Mike Scifres.

COACHING

A

Norv Turner's game plan is plenty good enough, but his best moves may have been protecting key players for the playoffs.

NEXT OPPORTUNITY: at Oakland

A

The Raiders have a new quarterback and a recurring problem: another irrelevant December..

BY THE NUMBERS

6

Points allowed by Chargers in two games vs. Broncos this season.

9

Straight wins for Chargers in December the past two seasons.

15-1

Chargers' record at home the past two regular seasons, including 7-1 this year.

58

Points allowed by Chargers in past five games, the fewest in the NFL.

113

Cushion (yards) NFL rushing leader LaDainian Tomlinson has over No. 3 Adrian Peterson entering the final weekend (No. 2 Willie Parker is injured).

– JAY POSNER