### Chargers Secure Playoff Berth for Second Consecutive Season The Los Angeles Chargers have clinched a playoff spot for the 2025 NFL season, marking their second consecutive postseason appearance. This achievement follows a decisive victory over the Dallas Cowboys, where quarterback Justin Herbert showcased his resilience by scoring three touchdowns despite playing with a broken left hand. The Chargers' playoff berth was solidified not only by their win but also by the Indianapolis Colts' loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which allowed Los Angeles to secure the No. 5 seed in the playoffs with two games remaining in the regular season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/playoff-bound-chargers-clinch-postseason-042215958.html, https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/california/playoff-bound-chargers-clinch-postseason-berth]. ### Breakdown of the Chargers' Path to the Playoffs 1. **Key Victories**: - The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 34-17, marking their fourth consecutive win and seventh in their last eight games [https://apnews.com/article/chargers-cowboys-score-c66ad864cad1a0bf71789b6371fdc463]. - Justin Herbert threw for 300 yards, contributing significantly to the team's success [https://latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2025-12-21/chargers-defeat-cowboys-four-game-win-streak]. 2. **Injury Management**: - Herbert has been playing through a broken non-throwing hand, which has limited his mobility but not his effectiveness on the field [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/dec/22/handy-herbert-chargers-qb-shakes-injury-scores-3]. - His ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been crucial for the Chargers' playoff push [https://news4sanantonio.com/news/instagram/injured-justin-herbert-leads-the-chargers-playoff-push-and-they-can-clinch-at-cowboys]. 3. **Playoff Scenarios**: - The Chargers needed a win against the Cowboys and a loss or tie from either the Colts or Texans to clinch their playoff spot [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-playoff-picture-chargers-clinch-140000538.html]. - Their current standing as the No. 5 seed positions them favorably for the upcoming playoff matchups [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/playoff-bound-chargers-clinch-postseason-042215958.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Chargers' Performance - **Game Statistics**: - Justin Herbert's performance included: - 300 passing yards - 2 touchdown passes - 1 rushing touchdown [https://apnews.com/article/chargers-cowboys-score-c66ad864cad1a0bf71789b6371fdc463]. - **Team Performance**: - The Chargers have won 7 out of their last 8 games, demonstrating a strong finish to the season [https://latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2025-12-21/chargers-defeat-cowboys-four-game-win-streak]. - **Playoff Implications**: - The victory over the Cowboys not only secured their playoff berth but also eliminated the Cowboys from postseason contention for the second consecutive year [https://apnews.com/article/chargers-cowboys-score-c66ad864cad1a0bf71789b6371fdc463]. ### Conclusion: Chargers' Road Ahead In summary, the Los Angeles Chargers have successfully clinched a playoff berth for the second year in a row, thanks to a combination of strategic victories, resilient performances from key players like Justin Herbert, and favorable outcomes in other games. 1. **Playoff Clinch**: The Chargers secured their spot with a win over the Cowboys and a Colts loss. 2. **Key Player**: Justin Herbert's performance has been pivotal despite his injury. 3. **Future Outlook**: With two games remaining, the Chargers aim to improve their playoff positioning as they head into the postseason [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/playoff-bound-chargers-clinch-postseason-042215958.html, https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/california/playoff-bound-chargers-clinch-postseason-berth].