# 2010 San Diego Chargers season

The 2010 season was the San Diego Chargers' 41st in the National Football League (NFL) and their 51st overall. The team failed to improve on their 13–3 record the previous season, finishing with a 9–7 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
The 2010 Chargers are noted for having both the No. 1-ranked offense and defense, the first team to do so since the 1996 Green Bay Packers. However, a struggling special teams unit would help cause the Chargers to lose five of their first seven games, each of which was by a one-possession margin. The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, "no team even came close to having all those special teams foibles in one season." Football Outsiders calculated that the Chargers had the worst special teams in the league in 2010 and the fifth-worst from 1993 to 2010. Although the Chargers won seven of their nine remaining matchups, they were unable to overcome the slow start and missed the postseason by one game. An additional victory would have allowed the Chargers to win the AFC West on a tiebreaker, but they instead finished a game behind the Kansas City Chiefs.
In addition to their statistical performance, the Chargers used an NFL-record tying 74 players during the season due to injuries. The 2010 season also saw the Chargers have their first home blackouts since 2004 and was their first since 2000 to not have future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson on the roster.

## Offseason

On February 22, 2010, LaDainian Tomlinson requested his release after nine seasons with the team, and went to the New York Jets.

### NFL draft

After finishing the season with the best record among teams exiting the playoffs in the divisional round, the Chargers picked 28th in the draft. They traded their sixth round pick in a trade that sent defensive tackle Travis Johnson to the Chargers.
2010 San Diego Chargers draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 12 | Ryan Mathews * | RB | Fresno State | from Miami |
| 3 | 79 | Donald Butler | LB | Washington | from San Francisco |
| 4 | 110 | Darrell Stuckey * | S | Kansas | from Miami |
| 5 | 146 | Cam Thomas | DT | North Carolina | from Denver via Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia |
| 5 | 168 | Jonathan Crompton | QB | Tennessee | |
| 7 | 235 | Dedrick Epps | TE | Miami (FL) | |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

#### Draft notes

* ↑ "Draft trade tracker: Let's make a deal: Chargers move up 16 spots". National Football League. April 22, 2010. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
* ↑ "Draft trade tracker: Let's make a deal: Safety insurance: The Butler did it: Chargers snag linebacker". National Football League. April 23, 2010. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
* ↑ "Broncos make move to take a quarterback". National Football League. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
* ↑ "Lions acquire DT Williams from Browns". ESPN. March 5, 2010. Archived from the original on March 10, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
* ↑ "Draft trade tracker: Let's make a deal: Chargers go after defensive tackle prospect". National Football League. April 24, 2010. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
* ↑ #12: Miami → San Diego (D). Miami traded this selection, a fourth-round selection (110th overall; San Diego selected Darrell Stuckey), and a sixth-round selection it acquired from Kansas City (173rd overall; traded to San Francisco who selected Anthony Dixon) to San Diego for a first-round selection (28th overall; Miami selected Jared Odrick), a second-round selection it acquired from Seattle (40th overall; Miami selected Koa Misi), a fourth-round selection (126th overall; traded to Dallas who selected Akwasi Owusu-Ansah), and linebacker Tim Dobbins.
* ↑ #79: San Francisco → San Diego (D). San Francisco traded this selection to San Diego for a third-round selection (91st overall; San Francisco selected NaVorro Bowman), a sixth-round selection it acquired from Miami (173rd overall; San Francisco selected Anthony Dixon), and a fourth-round selection.
* ↑ #110: Miami → San Diego (D). See #12: Miami → San Diego above.
* ↑ #146: multiple trades: #146: Denver → Detroit (PD). Denver traded this selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection (235th overall; Detroit selected Zack Follett) to Detroit for a 2009 sixth-round selection (174th overall; Denver selected Tom Brandstater). #146: Detroit → Cleveland (PD). Detroit traded this selection it acquired from Denver to Cleveland for defensive lineman Corey Williams and a seventh-round selection (214th overall; traded to Minnesota, who selected Mickey Shuler, Jr.). #146: Cleveland → Philadelphia (D). See #59: Philadelphia → Cleveland above. #146: Philadelphia → San Diego (D). Philadelphia traded this selection it acquired from Cleveland to San Diego for a fifth-round selection (159th overall; Philadelphia selected Riley Cooper) and a 2011 fifth-round selection.

## Preseason

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | August 14 | Chicago Bears | W 25–10 | 1–0 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 21 | Dallas Cowboys | L 14–16 | 1–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | August 27 | at New Orleans Saints | L 21–36 | 1–2 | Louisiana Superdome | Recap |
| 4 | September 2 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 14–17 | 1–3 | Candlestick Park | Recap |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | September 13 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L 14–21 | 0–1 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | September 19 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 38–13 | 1–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 26 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 20–27 | 1–2 | Qwest Field | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | Arizona Cardinals | W 41–10 | 2–2 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 5 | October 10 | at Oakland Raiders | L 27–35 | 2–3 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | at St. Louis Rams | L 17–20 | 2–4 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
| 7 | October 24 | New England Patriots | L 20–23 | 2–5 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | Tennessee Titans | W 33–25 | 3–5 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | at Houston Texans | W 29–23 | 4–5 | Reliant Stadium | Recap |
| 10 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 11 | November 22 | Denver Broncos | W 35–14 | 5–5 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 12 | November 28 | at Indianapolis Colts | W 36–14 | 6–5 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | December 5 | Oakland Raiders | L 13–28 | 6–6 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 14 | December 12 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 31–0 | 7–6 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 15 | December 16 | San Francisco 49ers | W 34–7 | 8–6 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 26 | at Cincinnati Bengals | L 20–34 | 8–7 | Paul Brown Stadium | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | at Denver Broncos | W 33–28 | 9–7 | Invesco Field at Mile High | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Chiefs | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
* Date: September 13
* Game time: 9:20 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), Rain & wind
* Game attendance: 71,297
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler, Trent Dilfer, & Suzy Kolber
* Recap, Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
SDG – Antonio Gates 3-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:52. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:45.
KC – Jamaal Charles 56-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 0:37. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:15.
Second quarter
KC – Tony Moeaki 2-yard pass from Matt Cassell (Ryan Succop kick), 5:55. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:26.
KC – Dexter McCluster 94-yard punt return (Ryan Succop kick), 1:43. Chiefs 21–7.
Third quarter
SDG – Legedu Naanee 59-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:23. Chiefs 21–14. Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 2:51.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 22/39, 298 yards, 2 TD
KC – Matt Cassel – 10/22, 68 yards, TD
Top rushers
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 20 rushes, 78 yards
KC – Jamaal Charles – 11 rushes, 92 yards, TD
Top receivers
SDG – Legedu Naanee – 5 receptions, 110 yards, TD
KC – Tony Moeaki – 3 receptions, 21 yards, TD
Top tacklers
SDG – Steve Gregory – 7 tackles
KC – Derrick Johnson – 11 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble :
The Chargers began their season at Arrowhead Stadium for a division rivalry match against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter the Chargers took the early lead as QB Philip Rivers completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Chiefs replied when RB Jamaal Charles made a 56-yard TD run. In the 2nd quarter the Chargers fell behind when QB Matt Cassel completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Moeaki. This was followed by WR Dexter McCluster returning a punt 94 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. In the third quarter the Chargers cut the lead when QB Philip Rivers threw a 59-yard TD pass to WR Legedu Naanee. In the 4th quarter the Chiefs defense prevented any more scoring from the Chargers.
With the loss, San Diego began at 0–1.

#### Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 13 |
| Chargers | 7 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 38 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: September 19
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 62,691
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker (blacked out locally)
* Game Recap
Game information :
First quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 2-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:42. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 3:18.
JAC – Josh Scobee 44-yard field goal, 5:29. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:33.
Second quarter
SDG – Antonio Gates 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:32. Chargers 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:10.
JAC – Josh Scobee 48-yard field goal, 1:55. Chargers 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 3:42.
SDG – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:10. Chargers 21–6. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 1:45.
Third quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 41-yard field goal, 4:55. Chargers 24–6. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:21.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 13:18. Chargers 31–6. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:18.
SDG – Malcom Floyd 54-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:06. Chargers 38–6. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 2:08.
JAC – Mike Sims-Walker 24-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), 0:37. Chargers 38–13. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 2:34.
Top passers
JAC – David Garrard – 15/23, 173 yards, TD, 4 INT
SDG – Philip Rivers – 22/29, 334 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
JAC – Rashad Jennings – 6 rushes, 38 yards
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 16 rushes, 82 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
JAC – Mike Sims-Walker – 10 receptions, 105 yards, TD
SDG – Antonio Gates – 5 receptions, 57 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
JAC – Courtney Greene – 8 tackles, 3 assists, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble
SDG – Steve Gregory – 8 tackles, 5 assists :
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Chiefs, the Chargers returned home for an AFC duel with the Jaguars. In the 1st quarter, San Diego took the early lead as FB Mike Tolbert made a 2-yard TD run. The Jaguars replied with kicker Josh Scobee hitting a 44-yard field goal. The Chargers increased their lead as QB Philip Rivers completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Jaguars tried to cut the lead with Scobee nailing a 48-yard field goal. The Chargers continued to score with Rivers making a 4-yard TD pass to Gates; followed in the 3rd quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 41-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter the Chargers continued to dominate with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers completing a 54-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The lead was slightly narrowed when QB David Garrard made a 3-yard TD pass to WR Mike Sims-Walker.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 1–1.

#### Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 0 | 12 | 8 | 20 |
| Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington
* Date: September 26
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C) (Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 67,106
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
SEA – Olindo Mare 23-yard field goal, 11:28. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:38.
SEA – John Carlson 9-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 0:53. Seahawks 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 0:22.
Third quarter
SEA – Leon Washington 101-yard kickoff return (Olindo Mare kick), 14:47. Seahawks 17–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
SDG – Malcom Floyd 3-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:33. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:14.
SDG – Safety, Matt Hasselbeck sacked by Brandon Siler in end zone, 4:31. Seahawks 17–9.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 29-yard field goal, 0:37. Seahawks 17–12. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:54.
Fourth quarter
SEA – Olindo Mare 23-yard field goal, 11:27. Seahawks 20–12. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:59.
SDG – Antonio Gates 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Legedu Naanee pass from Philip Rivers), 6:39. Tied 20–20. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:48.
SEA – Leon Washington 99-yard kickoff return (Olindo Mare kick), 6:24. Seahawks 27–20. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 29/53, 455 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 19/32, 220 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 17 rushes, 73 yards
SEA – Justin Forsett – 17 rushes, 63 yards
Top receivers
SDG – Antonio Gates – 7 receptions, 109 yards, TD
SEA – John Carlson – 5 receptions, 61 yards, TD
Top tacklers
SDG – Eric Weddle – 6 tackles
SEA – Lawyer Milloy – 6 tackles, 5 assists :
Coming off their win over the Jaguars the Chargers flew to Qwest Field where they played their former division rival, the Seattle Seahawks. In the second quarter San Diego trailed early when kicker Olindo Mare made a 23-yard field goal. Then QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE John Carlson. This was followed in the third quarter by RB Leon Washington returning a kickoff 101 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers cut the lead with QB Philip Rivers getting a 3-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by Hasselbeck getting sacked by ILB Brandon Siler in the endzone for a safety. Then kicker Nate Kaeding made a 29-yard field goal. The Seahawks increased their lead when Mare made a 23-yard field goal, but the Chargers replied and tied the game when Rivers found TE Antonio Gates on a 12-yard TD pass. (With a successful 2-point conversion as Rivers found WR Legedu Naanee). Before the clock struck zero Seattle took the winning score as RB Leon Washington returned his second kickoff of the game into the endzone running 99 yards for a touchdown, giving the Chargers the loss.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 1–2.

#### Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| Chargers | 7 | 21 | 10 | 3 | 41 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: October 3
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 62,189
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan and Chris Myers (blacked out locally)
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
SDG – Antonio Gates 33-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:45. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 89 yards, 4:45.
Second quarter
ARI – Kerry Rhodes 42-yard fumble return (Jay Feely kick), 13:34. Tied 7–7.
SDG – Mike Tolbert 5-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:31. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 3:03.
SDG – Antonio Gates 26-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:30. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
SDG – Shaun Phillips 31-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:30. Chargers 28–7.
Third quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 48-yard field goal, 3:55. Chargers 31–7. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:41.
SDG – Ryan Mathews 15-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:31. Chargers 38–7. Drive: 1 play, 15 yards, 0:07.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 47-yard field goal, 10:49. Chargers 41–7. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:11.
ARI – Jay Feely 53-yard field goal, 3:17. Chargers 41–10. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:05.
Top passers
ARI – Max Hall – 8/14, 82 yards
SDG – Philip Rivers – 15/20, 241 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
ARI – Tim Hightower – 7 rushes, 24 yards
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 16 rushes, 100 yards, TD
Top receivers
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 receptions, 56 yards
SDG – Antonio Gates – 7 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
ARI – Paris Lenon – 8 tackles, 3 assists
SDG – Kevin Burnett – 7 tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble :
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Seahawks the Chargers played on home ground for an inter-conference duel with the Cardinals. In the 1st quarter the Chargers took the early lead as QB Philip Rivers completed a 33-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, but had a problem maintaining this lead in the 2nd quarter when FS Kerry Rhodes recovered a fumble and ran 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. After that, the Chargers went on a scoring rally with FB Mike Tolbert making a 5-yard TD run, followed by Rivers making a 26-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. Then OLB Shaun Phillips successfully caught an interception and ran 31 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. This was followed in the 3rd quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding making a 48-yard field goal. Then RB Ryan Mathews got a 15-yard TD run. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cardinals tried to cut the lead, but only came away with kicker Jay Feely's 53-yard field goal.
With the win, San Diego improved to 2–2.

#### Week 5: at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
| Raiders | 12 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 35 |
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California
* Date: October 10
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: (Clear)
* Game attendance: 48,279
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
OAK – Safety, Rock Cartwright blocked punt through end zone, 13:56. Raiders 2–0.
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 50-yard field goal, 12:03. Raiders 5–0. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:53.
OAK – Hiram Eugene 5-yard return of blocked punt (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 10:33. Raiders 12–0.
Second quarter
SDG – Antonio Gates 19-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:07. Raiders 12–7. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:01.
SDG – Mike Tolbert 4-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:49. Chargers 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:08.
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 30-yard field goal, 0:58. Raiders 15–14. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 3:51.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 43-yard field goal, 0:01. Chargers 17–15. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 0:57.
Third quarter
SDG – Malcom Floyd 41-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:38. Chargers 24–15. Drive: 2 plays, 63 yards, 0:42.
OAK – Zach Miller 1-yard pass from Jason Campbell (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 1:12. Chargers 24–22. Drive: 12 plays, 97 yards, 6:26.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 34-yard field goal, 12:00. Chargers 27–22. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 4:12.
OAK – Michael Bush 3-yard run (pass failed), 3:39. Raiders 28–27. Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 8:21.
OAK – Tyvon Branch 64-yard fumble return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:58. Raiders 35–27.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 27/42, 431 yards, 2 TD
OAK – Jason Campbell – 13/18, 159 yards, TD
Top rushers
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 9 rushes, 59 yards
OAK – Michael Bush – 26 rushes, 104 yards, TD
Top receivers
SDG – Malcom Floyd – 8 receptions, 213 yards, TD
OAK – Zach Miller – 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD
Top tacklers
SDG – Paul Oliver – 6 tackles, 2 assists
OAK – Michael Huff – 9 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble :
Coming off their win over the Cardinals the Chargers flew to Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum for an AFC West division rivalry match against the Raiders. In the first quarter the Chargers' offense had problems when after a three-and-out Mike Scifres' punt was blocked by RB Rock Cartwright out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. Then kicker Sebastian Janikowski made a 50-yard field goal. Then Scifres' punt was blocked again and returned by FS Hiram Eugene 5 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers then fought back and took the lead with QB Philip Rivers completing a 19-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. Then RB Mike Tolbert got a 4-yard TD run. Then the Chargers trailed with Janikowski making a 30-yard field goal. But they responded and got the lead back with kicker Nate Kaeding making a 43-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by Rivers making a 41-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The Raiders replied with QB Jason Campbell completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller. Followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding making a 34-yard field goal. The Chargers fell behind when RB Michael Bush got a 3-yard touchdown run (with a failed 2-point conversion), followed by SS Tyvon Branch recovering a fumble and running 64 yards to the endzone for a touchdown to give the Chargers a loss, for the first time against the Raiders since 2003.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–3 for the 4th straight season.

#### Week 6: at St. Louis Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Rams | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
* Date: October 17
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 52,472
* Referee: Scott Green
* TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Beuerlein
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
STL – Josh Brown 39-yard field goal, 9:31. Rams 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 2:39.
STL – Danario Alexander 38-yard pass from Sam Bradford (Josh Brown kick), 0:43. Rams 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:31.
Second quarter
STL – Steven Jackson 7-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 1:39. Rams 17–0. Drive: 17 plays, 67 yards, 7:58.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 41-yard field goal, 0:23. Rams 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 1:16.
Third quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:41. Rams 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:48.
Fourth quarter
STL – Josh Brown 48-yard field goal, 3:56. Rams 20–10. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:15.
SDG – Buster Davis 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:16. Rams 20–17. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 0:40.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 22/37, 249 yards, TD, INT
STL – Sam Bradford – 18/31, 198 yards, TD
Top rushers
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 12 rushes, 64 yards
STL – Steven Jackson – 29 rushes, 109 yards
Top receivers
SDG – Patrick Crayton – 6 receptions, 117 yards
STL – Danario Alexander – 4 receptions, 72 yards, TD
Top tacklers
SDG – Eric Weddle – 11 tackles, 1 assist
STL – Bradley Fletcher – 7 tackles :
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders the Chargers flew to Edward Jones Dome for an Interconference duel with the Rams. In the first quarter San Diego trailed early as kicker Josh Brown made a 39-yard field goal, followed by QB Sam Bradford completing a 38-yard TD pass to WR Danario Alexander. The Chargers struggled further in the 2nd quarter when RB Steven Jackson got a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers replied with kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 41-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run. In the 4th quarter the Rams' lead increased when Josh Brown hit a 48-yard field goal, but was cut when QB Philip Rivers made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Buster Davis.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–4 and surpassed their 2009 loss total.

#### Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
| Chargers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 20 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: October 24
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 68,836
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
SDG – Kris Brown 32-yard field goal, 5:23. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 36 yards, 1:45.
NE – Rob Gronkowski 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:00. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:24.
Second quarter
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 6:51. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, −14 yards, 1:54.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 0:23. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:25. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 17 plays, 79 yards, 8:35.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Kris Brown 28-yard field goal, 14:56. Patriots 20–6. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:29.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 11:27. Patriots 23–6. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:29.
SDG – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), 7:21. Patriots 23–13. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 4:06.
SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 4:01. Patriots 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:20.
Top passers
NE – Tom Brady – 19/32, 159 yards, TD
SDG – Philip Rivers – 34/50, 336 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 11 rushes, 24 yards, TD
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 8 rushes, 15 yards
Top receivers
NE – Aaron Hernandez – 5 receptions, 54 yards
SDG – Patrick Crayton – 7 receptions, 82 yards
Top tacklers
NE – Jerod Mayo – 10 tackles, 1 assist
SDG – Stephen Cooper – 9 tackles :
Hoping to break their current losing streak the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Patriots. In the 1st quarter the Chargers took the lead as kicker Kris Brown made a 32-yard field goal, but they fell behind with QB Tom Brady making a 1-yard TD pass to TE Rob Gronkowski; followed in the second quarter by kicker Stephen Gostkowski getting a 40 and a 35-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Chargers continued to struggle with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter the Chargers replied with Brown making a 28-yard field goal, but the Patriots continued to score with a 35-yard field goal from Gostkowski. The Chargers tried to cut the lead with QB Philip Rivers making a 4-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, and with FB Mike Tolbert making a 1-yard TD run, but the Chargers got called for false start which turned a 45yd FG into a 50yd, and Kris Brown missed on the final play.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–5.

#### Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Titans | 5 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 25 |
| Chargers | 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 33 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: October 31
* Game time: 1:05 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 59,260
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
TEN – Safety, Nick Schommer blocked punt through end zone, 13:31. Titans 2–0.
SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 4:33. Chargers 7–2. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 7:27.
TEN – Rob Bironas 21-yard field goal, 0:17. Chargers 7–5. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:16.
Second quarter
TEN – Craig Stevens 1-yard pass from Vince Young (Rob Bironas kick), 8:08. Titans 12–7. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:10.
TEN – Chris Johnson 29-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), 4:43. Titans 19–7. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:38.
SDG – Ryan Mathews 7-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 1:55. Titans 19–14. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:48.
Third quarter
SDG – Kris Brown 34-yard field goal, 7:45. Titans 19–17. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 6:04.
SDG – Antonio Gates 48-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), 4:20. Chargers 24–19. Drive: 4 plays, 91 yards, 1:52.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Kris Brown 36-yard field goal, 12:01. Chargers 27–19. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:51.
TEN – Nate Washington 71-yard pass from Vince Young (pass failed), 11:43. Chargers 27–25. Drive: 1 play, 71 yards, 0:18.
SDG – Darren Sproles 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (kick aborted), 6:51. Chargers 33–25. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:52.
Top passers
TEN – Vince Young – 10/21, 253 yards, 2 TD
SDG – Philip Rivers – 27/36, 305 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
TEN – Chris Johnson – 15 rushes, 59 yards, TD
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 11 rushes, 63 yards, TD
Top receivers
TEN – Nate Washington – 4 receptions, 117 yards, TD
SDG – Antonio Gates – 5 receptions, 123 yards, TD
Top tacklers
TEN – Gerald McRath – 10 tackles
SDG – Eric Weddle – 10 tackles, 1 assist :
Hoping to break their current losing streak the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Titans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early when the Chargers' punt was blocked by Nick Schommer out of bounds for a safety. The Chargers replied with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers fell behind with kicker Rob Bironas nailing a 21-yard field goal, followed in the second quarter by QB Vince Young completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Craig Stevens. The Chargers struggled further with RB Chris Johnson getting a 29-yard TD run. The Chargers then went on a scoring rally with RB Ryan Mathews making a 7-yard TD run, followed in the third quarter by kicker Kris Brown making a 34-yard field goal. Then QB Philip Rivers completed a 48-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, and then Brown made a 36-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with Young finding WR Nate Washington on a 71-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), but couldn't do anything after Rivers got a 13-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles (PAT aborted).
With the win, the Chargers improve to 3–5.

#### Week 9: at Houston Texans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 14 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 29 |
| Texans | 10 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: November 7
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
* Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 70,886
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Arian Foster 8-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 13:06. Texans 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 8 yards, 0:04.
SDG – Seyi Ajirotutu 55-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), 9:28. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:38.
HOU – Neil Rackers 27-yard field goal, 4:47. Texans 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:41.
SDG – Randy McMichael 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), 1:08. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:39.
Second quarter
HOU – Arian Foster 2-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 10:23. Texans 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:49.
HOU – Neil Rackers 21-yard field goal, 0:22. Texans 20–14. Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:16.
Third quarter
HOU – Neil Rackers 25-yard field goal, 8:55. Texans 23–14. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:05.
SDG – Randy McMichael 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), 5:48. Texans 23–21. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:07.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Seyi Ajirotutu 28-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Mike Tolbert run), 5:17. Chargers 29–23. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 17/23, 295 yards, 4 TD, INT
HOU – Matt Schaub – 21/32, 267 yards, INT
Top rushers
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 9 rushes, 42 yards
HOU – Arian Foster – 27 rushes, 127 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
SDG – Seyi Ajirotutu – 4 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Arian Foster – 4 receptions, 70 yards
Top tacklers
SDG – Antoine Cason, Eric Weddle – 7 tackles, 1 assist
HOU – Bernard Pollard – 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble :
Hoping to increase their winning streak the Chargers moved to Reliant Stadium for an AFC duel with the Texans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as RB Arian Foster got an 8-yard TD run. They soon replied with QB Philip Rivers making a 55-yard TD pass to WR Seyi Ajirotutu. They trailed again with kicker Neil Rackers nailed a 27-yard field goal, but took the lead after Rivers got an 11-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael. They fell behind again in the second quarter as Foster made a 2-yard TD run, followed by Rackers hitting a 21 and a 25-yard field goal. The Chargers eventually pulled themselves in front again, with Rivers finding McMichael again on a 12-yard TD pass. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Rivers' 28-yard TD pass to Ajirotutu (With a successful 2-point conversion as FB Mike Tolbert ran to the endzone).
With the win, the Chargers went into their bye week at 4–5.

#### Week 11: Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
| Chargers | 7 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: November 22
* Game time: 5:30 p.m. PST
* Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 68,482
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden, Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber
* Game Book, Recap
Game information :
First quarter
DEN – Knowshon Moreno 4-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 12:05. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:55.
SDG – Malcom Floyd 6-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:14. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 6:26.
Second quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:58. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:38.
SDG – Patrick Crayton 40-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:05. Chargers 21–7. Drive: 2 plays, 54 yards, 0:54.
Third quarter
SDG – Darren Sproles 57-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:36. Chargers 28–7. Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:24.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Jacob Hester 3-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 14:16. Chargers 35–7. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:29.
DEN – Brandon Lloyd 13-yard pass from Kyle Orton (Matt Prater kick), 8:48. Chargers 35–14. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:39.
Top passers
DEN – Kyle Orton – 24/38, 217 yards, TD, INT
SDG – Philip Rivers – 15/24, 233 yards, 4 TD, INT
Top rushers
DEN – Knowshon Moreno – 13 rushes, 58 yards, TD
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 25 rushes, 111 yards, TD
Top receivers
DEN – Brandon Lloyd – 6 receptions, 78 yards, TD
SDG – Patrick Crayton – 3 receptions, 105 yards, TD
Top tacklers
DEN – Joe Mays – 6 tackles, 3 assists
SDG – Antoine Cason – 7 tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception :
Coming off their bye week, the Chargers went home for a Week 11 AFC West duel with the Denver Broncos on Monday night. San Diego trailed early in the first quarter as Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Chargers answered with quarterback Philip Rivers finding wide receiver Malcolm Floyd on a 6-yard touchdown pass. San Diego took the lead in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from fullback Mike Tolbert, followed by Rivers finding wide receiver Patrick Crayton on a 40-yard touchdown pass.
The Chargers added onto their lead in the third quarter as Rivers connected with running back Darren Sproles on a 57-yard touchdown pass. San Diego continued its dominating night with Rivers' 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jacob Hester. Denver would close out the game with quarterback Kyle Orton completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–5.

#### Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 10 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 36 |
| Colts | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 28
* Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: Roof closed, retractable roof stadium
* Game attendance: 67,471
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, & Andrea Kremer
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Jacob Tamme 4-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), 9:16. Colts 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:44.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 3:22. Colts 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:54.
SDG – Kevin Burnett 29-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:00. Chargers 10–7.
Second quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 33-yard field goal, 10:04. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:46.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal, 4:39. Chargers 16–7. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:27.
IND – Blair White 6-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:22. Chargers 16–14. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:14.
Third quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 30-yard field goal, 9:18. Chargers 19–14. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:42.
SDG – Eric Weddle 41-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:21. Chargers 26–14.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:26. Chargers 33–14. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 6:01.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 20-yard field goal, 5:25. Chargers 36–14. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 5:12.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 19/23, 185 yards
IND – Peyton Manning – 31/48, 285 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 26 rushes, 103 yards, TD
IND – Donald Brown – 11 rushes, 24 yards
Top receivers
SDG – Antonio Gates – 4 receptions, 46 yards
IND – Pierre Garçon – 5 receptions, 72 yards
Top tacklers
SDG – Kevin Burnett – 9 tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception
IND – Pat Angerer – 7 tackles, 4 assists :
The Chargers' eleventh game was an AFC duel against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. They trailed early in the first quarter after QB Peyton Manning made a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jacob Tamme. They eventually pulled ahead after kicker Nate Kaeding made a 28-yard field goal, followed by ILB Kevin Burnett returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown, and then with Kaeding hitting a 33 and a 50-yard field goal. Their lead was narrowed when Manning made a 6-yard TD pass to WR Blair White, but the Chargers controlled the second half with Kaeding getting a 30-yard field goal, which was shortly followed by FS Eric Weddle returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown, then with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 3-yard TD run, and Kaeding making a 20-yard field goal, settling both teams records to 6–5.

#### Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 28 |
| Chargers | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: December 5
* Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
* Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C) (Cloudy and Sun)
* Game attendance: 68,163
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Dan Fouts
* Gamebook Recap
Game information :
First Quarter
OAK – Jason Campbell 9-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick) 8:35. Raiders 7–0. Drive:4 plays, 18 yards, 2:10.
OAK – Jacoby Ford 4-yard pass from Jason Campbell (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:30. Raiders 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 6:36.
Second Quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 39-yard field goal, 11:05. Raiders 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 4:25.
OAK – Michael Bush 7-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:07. Raiders 21–3. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:58.
Third Quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 33-yard field goal, 0:44. Raiders 21–6. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 3:21.
Fourth Quarter
SDG – Antonio Gates 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:59. Raiders 21–13.Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:45.
OAK – Darren McFadden 7-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:35. Raiders 28–13. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 5:24.
Top passers
OAK – Jason Campbell – 10/16, 117 yards, TD
SDG – Philip Rivers – 23/39, 280 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
OAK – Darren McFadden – 19 rushes, 97 yards, TD
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 7 rushes, 16 yards
Top receivers
OAK – Marcel Reece – 3 receptions, 42 yards
SDG – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 73 yards, TD
Top tacklers
OAK – Rolando McClain – 7 tackles
SDG – Brandon Siler – 9 tackles, 3 assists :
Coming off their win over the Colts the Chargers played on home ground for a rematch against the Raiders. The Chargers trailed early as QB Jason Campbell scrambled 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by his 4-yard TD pass to WR Jacoby Ford. They replied in the second quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding nailed a 39-yard field goal, but trailed further with RB Michael Bush getting a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding hitting a 33-yard field goal, followed by QB Philip Rivers completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Raiders would finish off with Darren McFadden making a 7-yard TD run.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 6–6 and were swept by the Raiders for the first time since 2001.

#### Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chargers | 7 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 31 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: December 12
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
* Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 66,780
* Referee: Walt Anderson
* TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
SDG – Malcom Floyd 17-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:33. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 6:10.
Second quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 8-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:47. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:04.
SDG – Malcom Floyd 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:40. Chargers 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 2:58.
Third quarter
No scoring plays.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 48-yard field goal, 8:25. Chargers 24–0. Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 5:38.
SDG – Ryan Mathews 15-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:15. Chargers 31–0. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:47.
Top passers
KC – Brodie Croyle – 7/17, 40 yards
SDG – Philip Rivers – 18/24, 226 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
KC – Jamaal Charles – 10 rushes, 40 yards
SDG – Mike Tolbert – 16 rushes, 66 yards, TD
Top receivers
KC – Terrance Copper – 2 receptions, 15 yards
SDG – Malcom Floyd – 4 receptions, 51 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
KC – Derrick Johnson – 8 tackles, 1 assist
SDG – Antwan Barnes – 4 tackles, 1 sack :
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC West rivalry rematch against the Chiefs. The Chargers took control of the game with QB Philip Rivers throwing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by FB Mike Tolbert getting an 8-yard TD run. The lead was increased with Rivers finding Floyd again on a 9-yard TD pass. This was followed in the fourth quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 48-yard field goal, and then by RB Ryan Mathews getting a 15-yard TD run.
With the shutout win over Kansas City, San Diego improved to 7–6.

#### Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Chargers | 7 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 34 |
at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: December 16
* Game time: 5:20 p.m. PST
* Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 67,820
* Referee: Clete Blakeman
* TV announcers (NFLN): Bob Papa, Matt Millen and Joe Theismann
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
SDG – Vincent Jackson 58-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:53. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 2:07.
Second quarter
SDG – Nate Kaeding 25-yard field goal, 6:03. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 7:00.
SDG – Vincent Jackson 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:19. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 2:49.
Third quarter
SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:52. Chargers 24–0.Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 8:12.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Vincent Jackson 21-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:06. Chargers 31–0. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:16.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 39-yard field goal, 7:38. Chargers 34–0. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:56.
SF – Brian Westbrook 3-yard run (Jeff Reed kick), 4:26. Chargers 34–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:12.
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 19/29, 165 yards, INT
SDG – Philip Rivers – 19/25, 273 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
SF – Anthony Dixon – 6 rushes, 33 yards
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 17 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
SF – Josh Morgan – 7 receptions, 106 yards
SDG – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 112 yards, 3 TD
Top tacklers
SF – Takeo Spikes – 7 tackles, 5 assists
SDG – Kevin Burnett – 8 tackles, 1 sack :
The Chargers' fourteenth game was an interconference duel with the 49ers which was played on Thursday Night. The Chargers took a quick lead with QB Philip Rivers throwing a 58-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson. The lead was extended in the second quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 25-yard field goal, followed by Rivers finding Jackson on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers continued to dominate with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers connecting to Jackson on a 48-yard TD pass, then with Kaeding hitting a 39-yard field goal. The 49ers made their only score of the game with RB Brian Westbrook getting a 1-yard TD run.
This game was also a blowout and San Diego improved to 8–6.

#### Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
| Bengals | 7 | 6 | 0 | 21 | 34 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: December 26
* Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 25 °F (−4 °C) (Cloudy with flurries)
* Game attendance: 54,194
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
CIN – Jermaine Gresham 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), 10:19. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:40.
Second quarter
CIN – Jerome Simpson 10-yard pass from Carson Palmer (kick failed), 12:54. Bengals 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:47.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 20-yard field goal, 1:15. Bengals 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:19.
Third quarter
SDG – Ryan Mathews 23-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:45. Bengals 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 4:47.
Fourth quarter
CIN – Jordan Shipley 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), 13:00. Bengals 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:00.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 7:18. Bengals 20–13. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 5:42.
CIN – Jerome Simpson 59-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), 6:25. Bengals 27–13. Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 0:53.
CIN – Bernard Scott 10-yard run (Clint Stitser kick), 3:54. Bengals 34–13. Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:33.
SDG – Kelley Washington 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:27. Bengals 34–20. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 2:27.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 27/40, 256 yards, TD, INT
CIN – Carson Palmer – 16/21, 269 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 12 rushes, 55 yards, TD
CIN – Cedric Benson – 24 rushes, 52 yards
Top receivers
SDG – Legedu Naanee – 4 receptions, 59 yards
CIN – Jerome Simpson – 6 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
SDG – Eric Weddle – 11 tackles, 5 assists
CIN – Dhani Jones – 5 tackles, 3 assists :
Hoping to make it three straight the Chargers flew to Paul Brown Stadium for an AFC duel with the Bengals. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early with QB Carson Palmer throwing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jermaine Gresham. Then Palmer found WR Jerome Simpson on a 10-yard TD pass (PAT failed, wide left). The Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding hitting a 20-yard field goal, followed by RB Ryan Mathews getting a 23-yard TD run, but went into more trouble as Palmer completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Jordan Shipley. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding making a 28-yard field goal, but struggled to hold on after Palmer connected to Simpson on a 59-yard TD pass, followed by RB Bernard Scott getting a 10-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to come back after QB Philip Rivers made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Kelley Washington, but the Bengals defense prevented any more scoring chances.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 8–7. With Kansas City winning earlier in the day, the loss prevented the Chargers from making their sixth playoff appearance in seven years.

#### Week 17: at Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 16 | 10 | 7 | 33 |
| Broncos | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 28 |
at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
* Date: January 2
* Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
* Game attendance: 74,155
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Beuerlein
* Box score
Game information :
First quarter
DEN – Brandon Lloyd 14-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Stephen Hauschka kick), 2:57. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:42.
Second quarter
SDG – Ryan Mathews 27-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 13:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:05.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 42-yard field goal, 9:59. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 2:11.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 45-yard field goal, 3:45. Chargers 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:05.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 47-yard field goal, 0:09. Chargers 16–7. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 1:33.
Third quarter
SDG – Ryan Mathews 12-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:10. Chargers 23–7. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:34.
SDG – Nate Kaeding 37-yard field goal, 8:31. Chargers 26–7. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:58.
DEN – Eric Decker 6-yard pass from Tim Tebow (Stephen Hauschka kick), 3:15. Chargers 26–14. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 5:16.
Fourth quarter
SDG – Ryan Mathews 31-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:55. Chargers 33–14. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 4:13.
DEN – Cassius Vaughn 97-yard kickoff return (Stephen Hauschka kick), 7:42. Chargers 33–21. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
DEN – Tim Tebow 6-yard run (Stephen Hauschka kick), 0:26. Chargers 33–28. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 2:23.
Top passers
SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/37, 313 yards, INT
DEN – Tim Tebow – 16/36, 205 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
SDG – Ryan Mathews – 26 rushes, 120 yards, 3 TD
DEN – Tim Tebow – 13 rushes, 94 yards, TD
Top receivers
SDG – Legedu Naanee – 4 receptions, 79 yards
DEN – Brandon Lloyd – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD
Top tacklers
SDG – Kevin Burnett – 7 tackles, 1 assist
DEN – Mario Haggan – 9 tackles :
The Chargers' final game was a division rivalry rematch against the Broncos. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as QB Tim Tebow threw a 14-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Lloyd. They eventually overcame this deficit with RB Ryan Mathews getting a 27-yard TD run, followed by kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 42, 45 and 47-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 16–7. They extended their lead in the third quarter with Mathews getting a 12-yard TD run, followed by Kaeding hitting a 37-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with QB Tim Tebow completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Eric Decker, but the Chargers increased their lead with Mathews getting a 31-yard TD run. The lead was narrowed further with Cassius Vaughn returning the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, followed by Tebow scrambling 6 yards for a touchdown, but the Chargers still managed to hold on for the win. The Chargers finished the 2010–11 NFL season as the only team ever to rank first in overall offense (396 yds/g) and overall defense (272 yds/g), in terms of total yards gained and allowed, and not make the playoffs the same year. Since 1970 the previous four NFL teams to accomplish that statistical feat all qualified for the post-season in those respective years.
With the win against the Broncos, San Diego finished with a 9–7 record.

### Standings

AFC West :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(4)}$ Kansas City Chiefs | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 2–4 | 6–6 | 366 | 326 | L1 |
| San Diego Chargers | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 441 | 322 | W1 |
| Oakland Raiders | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 6–0 | 6–6 | 410 | 371 | W1 |
| Denver Broncos | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 344 | 471 | L1 |

## Legacy

In 2019 SB Nation deemed the 2010 Chargers to be one of the greatest NFL teams of all time, despite missing the playoffs, if the special teams unit was excluded.