The Detroit Lions made the playoffs for the first time since 1999 as Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes in the first half to beat the San Diego Chargers 38-10 Saturday.
Detroit (10-5) has won three straight after a seven-game slump to earn a wild-card spot in the playoffs.
According to the Chargers (7-8), they will not be in the postseason for a second straight year after making it five times in a six-season stretch. And that might cost coach Norv Turner his job.
The Lions held San Diego scoreless until midway through the third quarter, when Philip Rivers threw an 11-yard pass to Malcom Floyd to make it 24-7.
Detroit, though, closed strong to restore the rout.
