Chargers Clinch Playoff Spot Under Jim Harbaugh with 40-7 Win over Patriots

Dec 28, 2024, 09:00 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers secured a spot in the AFC playoffs after a decisive 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots on December 28, 2024. Despite a short week and a 10 a.m. PT kickoff during Christmas week, the Chargers, under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, dominated the game, amassing 391 total yards to the Patriots' 116, and achieving 27 first downs compared to eight by New England. With this win, the Chargers clinched a wild-card berth and will face the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, or the winner of the Ravens vs. Steelers game on the road in the opening round of the playoffs. This marks the Chargers' return to the postseason since their last appearance in the 2022 season, where they famously squandered a 27-0 lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars.