The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 on Sunday from ROKiT Field at StubHub Center to secure the franchise's first double-digit-win season since 2009.
With 1:50 remaining in the game, the Bengals attempted a game-tying, two-point conversion after a one-yard touchdown rush by running back Joe Mixon. Defensive tackle Darius Philon sacked quarterback Jeff Driskel to keep the Chargers ahead for good.
The difference in the five-point win, though, was the foot of Michael Badgley. The rookie kicker made four field goals including a 59-yarder, the longest in franchise history. Running back Austin Ekeler had 94 total yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Keenan Allen hauled in five catches for 78 yards and a score – his fifth in as many games.
Quarterback Philip Rivers finished the game 19-of-29 for 220 yards and a touchdown. Defensive end Joey Bosa made six tackles and notched a sack – his fourth of the season. Rookie safety Derwin James had seven tackles.
Los Angeles opened the game with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that included a mix of everything – including a five-yard run by Rivers. After rushes of 15 and 18 yards by Ekeler – and a 19-yard catch by wide receiver Mike Williams – Rivers found Allen for a 14-yard touchdown reception to give Los Angeles an early 7-0 lead.
The Chargers answered a 47-yard Bengals field goal by kicker Randy Bullock with another touchdown. A 13-play, 85-yard L.A. drive ended with a five-yard touchdown rush by Ekeler to put Los Angeles up 14-3 with 14:51 remaining in the half.
Cincinnati's next two scoring drives would start in Chargers territory. On the first, Driskel came up inches short on a touchdown rush. On fourth-and-goal from inside the one, the Bengals committed a false start penalty and had to settle for a 23-yard Bullock field goal, which cut the Chargers lead to 14-6.
View the best of the Bolts as they take on the Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center for Week 14's matchup.
Philip Rivers with the ball during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers runs with the ball during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler runs downfield during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler breaks through on a run during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen catches a pass from Philip Rivers for a touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams celebrate Allen's touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen catches a pass for a touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams celebrate Allen's touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen and Melvin Ingram celebrate Allen's touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Desmond King tackles RB Joe Mixon during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers throws the ball to Antonio Gates during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen runs after a reception during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Justin Jackson runs downfield during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler breaks through tackles to score a touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler breaks through tackles to score a touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler and Dan Feeney celebrate Ekeler's touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
The Bolts celebrate Austin Ekeler's touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers celebrates Austin Ekeler's touchdown during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Casey Hayward makes a tackle during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler runs downfield during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James on the field during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Uchenna Nwosu squares off against LB Hardy Nickerson during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Jahleel Addae tackles RB Joe Mixon during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
The Bolts celebrate stopping the Bengals offense during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa sacks QB Jeff Driskel during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa sacks QB Jeff Driskel during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa celebrates his sack on QB Jeff Driskel during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
The Bolts stop a punt return during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Desmond King returns a punt during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James and Jahleel Addae slap hands on the field during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Michael Badgley kicks at 59-yard field goal during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Michael Badgley kicks a field goal during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Jahleel Addae and Michael Davis tackle RB Joe Mixon during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers on the field during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler runs the ball and is tackled during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James and Casey Hayward slap hands on the field during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Michael Davis and Jahleel Addae tackle RB Joe Mixon during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Michael Badgley kicks a field goal during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James tackles HB Giovani Bernard during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers runs during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Melvin Ingram and Derwin James tackle RB Joe Mixon during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen celebrates after catching a pass during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen runs after catching a pass during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen catches a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
The Bengals' next score was a touchdown. Driskel connected with wide receiver John Ross for a six-yard score, but Cincinnati failed to convert the two-point conversion.
With 10 seconds remaining in the half, the Chargers used a pair of 11-yard receptions and a five-yard offsides penalty to set up Badgley's 59-yard field goal attempt, which was good. Los Angeles led 17-12 at halftime.
The only scores for Los Angeles in the second half were three Badgley field goals (31, 32 and 45 yards).
UP NEXT
Los Angeles faces the Kansas City Chiefs this week on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is this Thursday, Dec. 13 at 5:20 p.m. Pacific on Fox and NFL Network.
