But just like the Chargers' season, the Chiefs couldn't win it at the end.

The Chargers are now three games behind the AFC West-leading Broncos with three to play. One more Broncos win or one more Chargers loss, and Denver will clinch the West.

So despite playing a team with but two wins, the Chargers will be a desperate bunch on Sunday in Kansas City.

"We need to go win," coach Norv Turner said. "And Kansas City is playing well; played awfully well in a very close game against Denver."

The Chargers (5-8) also remember that the Chiefs (2-11) gave the Chargers all they could handle in a 20-19 victory in San Diego earlier this year. The Chiefs went for two points in the closing minute and failed.

Plus this time the Chargers will face the Chiefs featuring running back Larry Johnson this time around.

"Larry just brings another dimension," Turner said. "You have to tackle him; he is a big, strong guy."

Too bad Chiefs quarterback Tyler Thigpen isn't as stout. He fell short on a fourth-and-goal play Sunday that iced the win for the Broncos - much to the Chargers' chagrin.

"He came awfully close to scoring," Turner said. "You watch when he took off running and I didn't think he could make the end zone from as deep as he was."

The Chargers are deep with their own problems of sneaking into the playoffs. They remain alive, but by the slimmest of margins.