The Los Angeles Chargers finished the season 9-7 with a 30-10 win over the Oakland Raiders.
Stat of the Game:On 1st-and-10 early in the first quarter, Philip Rivers became only the ninth player in NFL history to throw for 50,000 passing yards when he connected with Keenan Allen on an 11-yard gain. He later tied Fran Tarkenton for sixth all-time in passing touchdowns in NFL history (342).
Play of the Game:
After the Raiders kicked a field goal to make it 10-7, the Bolts offense got the ball back. Facing a 1st-and-10 from their own 44, Philip Rivers dropped back and tossed a deep ball to a wide-open Tyrell Williams, who waltzed into the end zone for the touchdown and a 14-10 lead.
Turning Point:
The Raiders got down to the Chargers' 43 and on first down, Derek Carr dropped back and fired towards the end zone. Tre Boston cut in front of wide receiver Johnny Holton to pick the ball off, returning it to the Chargers' 25. On the ensuing offensive possession, Rivers found Keenan Allen for a six-yard score and a commanding 20-10 lead heading into halftime.
It Was Over When:
With 9:03 left in the game, the Raiders, down 20, opted to go for it on 4th-and-1 from their own 17. Derek Carr rushed up the middle, but Darius Philon came in to force a fumble that Joey Bosa recovered. The turnover all but ended any chance of a comeback.
Bolt Quotebook
"These last 12 weeks we showed what type of team we are (but) disappointed we didn't make it to the postseason." – Head Coach Anthony Lynn
"You hate to not appreciate a win in this league because it's hard...but quickly, you're disappointed because you kick yourself that you put yourself in this situation that you need help." – QB Philip Rivers
Odds and Ends
The Chargers outgained the Raiders in total yardage, 495-336. They had advantages on the ground, 115-105, as well as through the air, 380-231.
Keenan Allen led all receivers in receptions (nine) and yardage (133). He moved into 13th place for touchdowns in franchise history. Additionally, Allen also set a new franchise record with 102 catches on the year, breaking LaDainian Tomlinson's previous mark of 100. He also finished with the second most receiving yards in Chargers history.
Melvin Gordon passed Keith Lincoln for the eighth most career rushing yards in Chargers history.
Desmond King paced the defense with nine total tackles. The unit had two sacks on Carr. One from Joey Bosa, and one that was split between Melvin Ingram and Darius Philon.
Damion Square was named an honorary captain by Head Coach Anthony Lynn.
Inactives for the Chargers included QB Cardale Jones, WR Geremy Davis, S Adrian Phillips, RB Russell Hansbrough, OT Michael Ola, DT Corey Liuget and DE Jeremiah Attaochu.
The Chargers battle the Oakland Raiders for a New Year's Eve matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward, right, and Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper reach for an incomplete pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams hauls in a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams, right, celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) intercepts a pass intended form Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnny Holton during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33), center, celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, celebrates with wide receiver Keenan Allen, center, after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is hauled down by Los Angeles Chargers inside linebacker Denzel Perryman during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
