Chargers stun Chiefs late to clinch NFL playoff berth

The victory ended the Chargers’ nine-game losing streak to the Chiefs — a skid that dated back to 2013. That was also the last year the Chargers reached the playoffs.

The Chiefs had seized a 28- 14 lead with a 75- yard, 13- play scoring drive that ate up nearly eight minutes on the clock.

Kansas City converted three third downs on the drive, which was aided by three penalties on the Chargers.

Los Angeles responded with a 75-yard drive that ended with Jackson’s touchdown run and Michael Bradley’s extra point that pulled the Chargers within 28-21.

After the defense forced the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs offense to punt, Rivers and Williams took over.

Rivers admitted that at moments he thought two first- half turnovers — including an interception on his first passing attempt of the game -- would prove too much to overcome.

The Chiefs took advantage of the first interception with a 49-yard drive that ended with Mahomes connecting with Demarcus Robinson from five yards out for the first touchdown of the game.

Mahomes hit Darrel Williams with an 11- yarder to make it 14- 0. The Chargers narrowed the gap with Rivers’ three- yard TD pass to Williams — a preview of the last- gasp heroics.

“We just kept playing,” Rivers said.

“This place is unbelievable to play in,” he added of the raucous Arrowhead Stadium. “Hard, tough. This team just kept fighting.”

AFP PHOTO Wide receiver Mike Williams (No. 81) of the Los Angeles Chargers catches a pass for a touchdown as defensive back Orlando Scandrick (No. 22) of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the 4th quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.