NFL Scores Week 17, Chargers Vs. Raiders: Oakland Loses In Manner That Could Be Classified As A Choke

The Oakland Raiders had to defeat the San Diego Chargers at home to go to the playoffs. They did not know this when the day started, but due to other results, this was a win-and-you're-in scenario for Oakland. San Diego was in the lead for a majority of the game, but it was in doubt late. In the fourth quarter, it appeared that Oakland had a good chance to mount a comeback, but gave up a 99-yard drive that ultimately proved to be decisive in a 38-26 Chargers win. With this result, the Raiders are out of the playoffs.

Oakland scored first and jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter, but would not score another touchdown until the fourth quarter. Sebastian Janikowski kept his team in the game with four field goals, but the Raiders' defense made things hard on the offense. Phillip Rivers threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns, while the team combined for 153 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. The Chargers also got a touchdown return touchdown from Nick Nowak in the first half, their final touchdown of the half as they went into the locker room with a 24-13 lead.

With San Diego up 31-19 in the fourth quarter, Oakland got themselves back into the game with a touchdown drive capped off by a 22-yard touchdown catch by Kevin Boss. On the ensuing kickoff, an odd bouncing kickoff resulted in a poor and ill-advised return that put the Chargers inside the one-yard line to start the drive. Incredibly, they would seal the game by going 99 yards, with Malcolm Floyd scoring the clinching touchdown on a 43-yard reception.

This result gifted the AFC West title to the Denver Broncos, who go into the playoffs despite a loss.

For more on the Raiders, head to Silver and Black Pride. For more on the Chargers, visit Bolts From the Blue. For more on the NFL, head to SB Nation's NFL hub and our Week 17 StoryStream.