Chargers Win AFC West, Eliminate Broncos from Playoffs

With a 51-14 trouncing of the Detroit Lions, the San Diego Chargers won the AFC West for the second straight year and for the third time in four years.

The Chargers are 9-5 and tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns in the AFC in the suddenly hot race for the third seed. The Chargers have won 4 straight and 8 of their last 10.

This eliminates the Broncos from playoff contention, who sit at 6-8 with 2 games to play (at San Diego, Minnesota). Here’s to you, 2008.