Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Chargers secured their second playoff appearance in three seasons with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday.
This win also marked Jim Harbaugh’s fourth post-season appearance in five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
Herbert completed 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards, making him the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons, joining Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson.
Ladd McConkey had eight catches for 94 yards and caught touchdown passes of six and 40 yards. He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the season with a 10-yard reception, becoming the third Chargers rookie receiver to achieve this milestone.
JK Dobbins rushed 19 times for 76 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots have now lost six consecutive games, their second such losing streak of the season, and have a 2-14 record at home over the past two seasons.
New England quarterback Drake Maye went 12 of 22 for 117 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first rookie quarterback in franchise history with a touchdown pass in eight straight games.
However, Maye was sacked four times and had a second-quarter fumble, extending his streak of games with at least one turnover to eight. Los Angeles outperformed New England 428-181 in total yards for the game.
Maye briefly left the game for a head injury evaluation after a hit to his helmet in the first quarter. He later returned to the game and completed the matchup.
He was replaced by backup Jacoby Brissett briefly but returned to play in the second quarter. The Chargers dominated the game, with Herbert and McConkey leading the way to secure the victory.
What’s next?
Chargers: Visit Las Vegas in their regular-season finale on Sunday, January 5, live on Sky Sports NFL.
Patriots: Host Buffalo next Sunday in their season finale, also live on Sky Sports NFL.
