The Chargers (9–6) sealed their first playoff spot since 2018 with a win; Austin Eckeler runs both of the Chargers’ touchdowns in a strong defense; The Colts (4-10-1) have suffered their fifth loss in a row and their eighth in their last nine games.
Justin Herbert passed for 235 yards and Austin Eckeler ran for two touchdowns to help the Los Angeles Chargers advance to the playoffs in a 20-3 win over host Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.
With a third win in a row, the Chargers (9–6) advanced to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 season.
As Indianapolis’ starting quarterback, Fowles finished 17 of 29 for 143 yards, matching his three interceptions.
Matt Ryan was on the bench after the Colts lost 33-0 to the Minnesota Vikings in overtime on December 17.
The Colts (4-10-1) gained 173 yards in their fifth straight loss.
The Chargers didn’t record a first down in their first three runs, but they went 70 yards in 13 plays in the fourth and took a 7-0 lead on a one-yard touchdown Eckeler scored with 8:41 left in the second quarter. .
The Chargers intercepted two passes in the first quarter, including one from All-Pro defenseman Dervin James, who had missed the previous two games with a quadriceps injury.
James was suspended from the game after being involved in a helmet to Ashton Doolin helmet roll with 5:19 left in the first half, and the Colts wide receiver was later ruled out with a concussion.
Chase McLaughlin ended the game with a 46-yard field goal to cut the lead to 7–3 with 4:21 left in the half, but Cameron Dicker responded with a 24-yard field goal after time expired, giving the Chargers 10-3 innings ahead.
