The San Diego Chargers have defeated the Denver Broncos, 48-20, behind a record-setting three touchdown performance by LaDainian Tomlinson and two additional scores by Antonio Gates, along with punishing “Lights Out” defense for a great deal of the game.

This victory gives San Diego the AFC West title, and with the Colts’ loss today, puts them in sole control of the first seed in the AFC. If the playoffs started today, San Diego would have a first-round bye and would play their entire postseason schedule at home.

What can be said about LT that hasn’t been already said? Today he set more records, most notably becoming the all-time leader in touchdowns (29) for a runningback. I love the way he went about it, too, because Denver’s D — and this is a major credit to that unit — was giving him a hard time all game. He kept chipping and chipping away, though. It’s great to see a runner so explosive also be so patient with his attack. That’s what’s most impressive about his play.

I also like how Cutler rallied the Broncos in the third quarter. His growing pains will continue but I can see him and Rivers having many more epic duels in the next few years, because he showed me a lot today.

Next week will bring the Chiefs into San Diego — let’s hope San Diego can run the table and get that #1 seed. At this point they really control their own destiny, so they must continue to play as physically and with as much emotion as they did today.