Bolts lead Broncos 10-6 after 1st quarter

LaDainian Tomlinson scored on a 1-yard run to give the San Diego Chargers a 10-6 lead over the Denver Broncos in a showdown for the AFC West title on Sunday.

In what some were calling the Ed Hochuli Bowl, the winner gets a home playoff game against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Tomlinson's run with 2:52 left in the quarter capped a 73-yard scoring drive highlighted by Vincent Jackson's diving catch of a 37-yard pass from Philip Rivers. It was Tomlinson's 124th career rushing touchdown, moving him out of a tie with Marcus Allen and into sole possession of second place on the all-time list. Emmitt Smith is No. 1 with 164. It was the ninth rushing TD of the year for Tomlinson.

The Broncos (8-7) were trying desperately to hang on to the division lead they've held all season. A loss would make them the first team since division play began in 1967 to miss the playoffs after having a three-game lead with three weeks to go.

The Chargers (7-8) were trying to win their third straight division title after being written off when they were four games below .500. They could become the first team to go from 4-8 to the playoffs.

On Sept. 14 at Denver, referee Ed Hochuli ruled a ball that slipped from Cutler's grasp and was recovered by inside linebacker Tim Dobbins was an incomplete pass instead of a fumble. Hochuli later acknowledged his decision was wrong. However, by rule, the call could not be changed and Denver kept the ball, going on to score on fourth down, followed by a 2-point conversion.

On Sunday night, Nate Kaeding kicked a 28-yard field goal and Denver answered with a 26-yard TD run by Tatum Bell. Matt Prater's PAT was good but a false start penalty moved the ball back 5 yards and on the re-kick, Prater hit the left upright

Denver cornerback Champ Bailey hurt his left elbow early in the game and his return was questionable.