Chargers and Colts Clinch Playoff Berths, Deny Denver Broncos and Leave Two Spots Open for Seven Contenders

The San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts secured National Football League playoff berths on Saturday, leaving just two spots open for seven remaining contenders. The Chargers overcame a 14-point halftime deficit and a barrage of snowballs at Giants Stadium to beat the New York Giants 27-17. Meanwhile, the Colts defeated the New England Patriots 10-7 behind quarterback Jim Harbaugh and a stout defense.

Key Takeaways:

• The San Diego Chargers clinched a playoff berth with their fifth consecutive win, overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit and a flurry of snowballs at Giants Stadium.
• The Indianapolis Colts secured their first playoff berth since 1987, beating the New England Patriots 10-7 behind quarterback Jim Harbaugh and a solid defense.
• The Detroit Lions, who had already clinched a wild-card berth, won to keep pressure on the Green Bay Packers to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
• Chargers coach Bobby Ross praised his team's determination, saying "We did it the hard way."
• The Colts dominated the second half, intercepting Drew Bledsoe three times while Harbaugh threw for 225 yards.
• Detroit routed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-10, securing its seventh consecutive win since owner William Clay Ford issued an ultimatum to coach Wayne Fontes.

Statistics:

• The Chargers won their fifth consecutive game.
• The Colts defeated the Patriots 10-7.
• The Colts intercepted Drew Bledsoe three times.
• Harbaugh threw for 225 yards.
• The Detroit Lions secured their seventh consecutive win, with Brett Perriman scoring on a 91-yard reception and Tracy Scroggins returning a fumble 81 yards for a touchdown.
• Scott Mitchell threw for 352 yards and two touchdowns.
• Tampa Bay finished out of the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season.

Sources:

• NYT (no date)
• "Chargers Clinch Playoff Berth; Colts Also Secure a Spot"