Sports

Holiday Miracle: Chargers Make Playoffs

A 27-24 San Diego Chargers overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs sends the Bolts to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

By Khari Johnson

The San Diego Chargers are heading to the NFL playoffs after a 27-24 overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday to secure a final spot in the AFC playoffs.

The Chargers were down 24-14 until the end of the 3rd quarter but would even the score at 24-24 with 4:16 left in the game. 

Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop could have ended the game but missed a 41-yard field goal with :08 seconds in the 4th quarter, forcing the game to overtime.

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Chargers kicker Nick Novak hit a field goal and the game ended with a turnover on downs, sending the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

A lot had to go right for the Chargers to make it to the playoffs: The Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens also had to lose their final games Sunday. The Dolphins fell to the New York Jets 20-7 and the Baltimore Ravens lost 34-17 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Since the Chiefs already secured a playoff spot, key starters, including quarterback and Helix High School alum Alex Smith, did not play, according to the Kansas City Star.

The Chargers win also knocks the Pittsburgh Steelers out of playoff contention.

The Chargers will play the Bengals at 10:05 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 PST in wild card playoff action.

To see a game recap and watch highlights visit nfl.com.

Think the Chargers can make it to the Super Bowl? Share in comments.


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