NFL: Impressive Los Angeles Chargers crush New England Patriots to claim play-off spot

The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a place in the NFL play-offs by thrashing the New England Patriots 40-7.

Justin Herbert threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns as the Chargers secured a wild card spot in John Harbaugh's first season as head coach.

The Chargers quarterback connected with a diving Derius Davis on a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter before finding star rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey with a six-yard throw in the second.

Herbert brilliantly hit McConkey again in the third quarter for a 40-yard touchdown before running back JK Dobbins rushed for another score in his first game back from injury.

New England's rookie quarterback Drake Maye threw a fine 36-yard touchdown to DeMario Douglas in the one bright moment for the 3-13 Patriots, who were booed off the field by the remaining home fans at the end of the game.

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