NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Broncos fall in Week 15

Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

31. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (3-10)

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The San Diego Chargers defense has been at the heart of many of their problems this season, but the one time it delivers, they still lose. Despite holding the red hot Kansas City Chiefs to 10 points, the Chargers could post just three of their own, and were held out of the end zone on the goal line as time expired.

The defense would bend, but it didn’t break. Kansas City rushed for 150 yards, but were held to a lone Alex Smith touchdown pass to Albert Wilson and a 40-yard Cairo Santos field goal.

As for the offense, you have to feel for Philip Rivers. Melvin Gordon was meant to fix the ground game, but the rookie out of Wisconsin has struggled all season long and posted just 35 yards rushing. Rivers had to drop back and throw 43 times, which is a daunting prospect against one of the league’s top pass rushing defenses. He was sacked five times.

Not only that, the group of pass catchers has been decimated with injuries. Rivers had no chance. They won’t have to struggle against such a dominant defense next week, as they host the Miami Dolphins.

Next: No. 30