The Los Angeles Chargers won a hard-hitting defensive battle at the Baltimore Ravens 23-17 to progress in the NFL play-offs and set up a divisional round clash at the New England Patriots.
In a game dominated by defence, the Chargers led 12-0 at half-time through four Michael Badgley field goals as the Ravens' rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled.
Jackson led a fourth quarter fightback after being shackled brilliantly by the Chargers defence all game - with his play even attracting boos from the Baltimore crowd who wanted to see former starting QB Joe Flacco come off the bench.
Justin Tucker cut the deficit with a field goal of his own after Badgley had one blocked, but the Chargers finally scored the game's first touchdown after a dramatic series.
Derek Watt's catch at the end of the third quarter and Melvin Gordon's run and dive at the start of the fourth were both ruled inches short of the end zone after video reviews, but Gordon punched the ball in on fourth down and Philip Rivers found receiver Mike Williams wide open for a two-point conversion.
Tucker missed a field goal and Badgley's fifth successful kick provided important insurance for the visitors as Jackson finally sparked his side into life. He connected with Michael Crabtree for a pair of touchdowns but his team still came up short by six points.
FINAL: The @Chargers are headed to the Divisional Round! #LACvsBAL#FightForEachOther
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2019
(by @Lexus) pic.twitter.com/3iS70AJ7Ap
NFL play-off results
- Indianapolis Colts 21-7 Houston Texans
- Seattle Seahawks 22-24 Dallas Cowboys
- LA Chargers 23-17 Baltimore Ravens
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