Chargers thrash Patriots to book NFL play-off spot

Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the football

The Los Angeles Chargers booked their place in the NFL play-offs with a dominant 40-7 victory at the New England Patriots.

Justin Herbert threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns to help the Chargers earn a wildcard spot in John Harbaugh’s first season as head coach.

The Patriots were booed off the field by the home fans after the game finished.

The Denver Broncos failed to clinch the final AFC play-off spot as they lost 30-24 to the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime.

Joe Burrow, who threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns, found Tee Higgins in the final two minutes of the extra period to seal a fourth straight win and keep the Bengals’ play-off hopes alive.

The Bengals need to win their final game against AFC North rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers and also hope other results go in their favour.

The Broncos needed to hold on for a tie to clinch a play-off spot and must now beat the Kansas City Chiefs – already confirmed as the top seed in the AFC with 15 wins in 16 games – to make the play-offs for the first time in nine years.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Malcolm Brogdon of the Washington Wizards