Kaeding kick sends Chargers into playoffs

SAN DIEGO: The San Diego Chargers clinched the AFC West title on Sunday after Nate Kaeding kicked a 52-yard field goal in the closing seconds to beat the heart-broken Cincinnati Bengals 27-24.

With the scores level at 24-24, Kaeding hit the winning kick with three seconds left after Philip Rivers, who passed for three touchdowns and 308 yards, moved San Diego from their own 20-yard line to the Cincinnati 34 in the final minute.

"It's a great job by our offensive football team using every second of the clock and getting Nate a chance," Chargers coach Norv Turner said after their ninth consecutive win.