Chargers Win Battle for Los Angeles 31–10 Over Rams

Justin Herbert (10) of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2023. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Austin Ekeler rushed for two touchdowns while Justin Herbert threw another two touchdowns, as the Chargers (10-6) dominated the Rams 31–10 on Jan. 1 in the battle for Los Angeles.

Ekeler surpassed LaDainian Tomlinson’s franchise record of 100 receptions, becoming the fifth running back in league history with 100 receptions finishing with 103; he gained 122 yards on 10 carries and 18 total touchdowns in front of 70,240 at SoFi stadium.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) evades a tackle from Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp as he runs toward the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2023. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)

Herbert completed 21–for–28 for 212 yards, completing seven receptions to Mike Williams for 94 yards.

The Chargers out-gained the Rams 431 yards to 277. They’ve now won their fourth straight game (10–6) and clinched a wild-card spot last week in the AFC.

“That performance is more indicative of the group that we have on offense ... a complete performance by our group from start to finish,” said Chargers coach Brandon Staley. “I thought we finished drives with touchdowns, we were three for three in the red [zone].”

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, left, and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay shake hands after an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2023. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo)

The Rams (5–11) had won two of their last three games as Baker Mayfield was 11–for-19 for 132 yards passing, while Cam Akers led in rushing with 123 yards on 19 carries.

Matt Gay gave the Rams their only lead, 3–0, with a 23-yard field goal on their opening drive following an 81-yard drive on 13 plays. Van Jefferson had three receptions for 77 yards.

The Rams made just 12 first downs while having the only turnover in the game when Van Noy punched the ball from Mayfield during a passing attempt with 6:15 in the third quarter.

Ekeler scored on a 10-yard rush capping off a 75-yard drive giving the Chargers a 7–3 lead with 13:40 to play in the second quarter; he then added to the lead, 14–3, on their following drive capping off a five-play drive with a 72-yard rush—breaking tackles and running over defenders.

The Rams countered, 10–14, with Malcolm Brown’s only carry for a 23-yard touchdown up the middle with 4:09 remaining before the half.

Malcolm Brown (41) of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2023. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Chargers Cameron Dicker added a 40-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining in the half for a 17–10 lead.

On the opening possession of the second half, Herbert threw a 6-yard touchdown to Gerald Everett, finishing off an 11-play, 75-yard drive.

The Chargers added another touchdown with 12:12 remaining in the fourth quarter on a nine-play drive that covered 70 yards with Herbert’s three-yard completion to Donald Parham Jr.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield (17) shake hands after an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2023. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo)

The Chargers finish the regular season at Denver next Sunday, while the defending champion Rams conclude their season next Sunday at Seattle.