A

They said Rivers couldn't take a game of this magnitude on himself. They were wrong.

Running backs

B –

LT did as much as he could – given the circumstances.

Receivers

A

Chambers and Jackson came up huge after Gates' injury.

Offensive line

B –

Nowhere to run, but pass blocking was splendid. A very good defense sacked Rivers once.

Defensive line

A –

After giving up some early rushes, settled down and did what it had to do.

Linebackers

A

These guys are hard to play.

Secondary

A –

Gave up some plays against stiffs, but the overall effort was terrific.

Special teams

A –

Scifres is one of the greatest punters who ever lived. Coverage improved.

Coaching

A

Norv did something Marty couldn't do here. He won a playoff game.

Next Opportunity at Indianapolis

D

This is a root canal without Novocain.

BY THE NUMBERS

3

Points allowed by the Chargers in the first quarter, the only time this season they gave up points in the opening quarter at home.

7

Winning streak for the Chargers, the longest in the NFL outside New England.

7

Consecutive games in which the Chargers have allowed 17 points or fewer (11.6 total).

11-0

Chargers' record this season when having fewer turnovers than their opponent (2-1 yesterday).

21:36

Time of possession for the Chargers in the second half.

42

Yards rushing for LaDainian Tomlinson, his third-lowest total of the season (25 vs. Bears; 40 vs. Vikings).

47.0

Vince Young's passer rating in two games vs. the Chargers this season.

675

Weeks that passed since the Chargers' last playoff victory on Jan. 15, 1995.

– JAY POSNER