San Diego Chargers 34, San Francisco 49ers 7

The Chargers thoroughly took care of their own business last night...Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson had a dazzling performance...Chargers tight end Randy McMichael is filling in ably for Antonio Gates.

Last night's loss means the 49ers' playoff hopes could end on Sunday...49ers defensive end Justin Smith denies intentionally shoving an official, which resulted in his second quarter ejection...49ers linebackers Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis wore big, bulky casts on their right hands.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo is a tackling machine.

Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner says talks a new contract are stalled, reports Allen Wilson of The Buffalo News.

New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer addressed the criticism of his performance.

Newly signed Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kevin Curtis is trying to rebuild his career after injuries and a bout with testicular cancer.

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Corey Redding is finally part of a winning team.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is unlikely to play against the Jets on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns third-round quarterback Colt McCoy has earned the team's starting job, head coach Eric Mangini said.

Cincinnati Bengals third-round wide receiver Jordan Shipley has no problem with the hit Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward laid on him in October.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon has been added to Peyton Manning's route-tree routine, writes Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Randy Moss is mentoring Kenny Britt, John Glennon of The Tennessean reports.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jason Hill could be the team's deep threat in the passing game.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair thinks the team is on the right track, but some changes will be made.

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for bigger plays in the return game, writes Kent Babb of The Kansas City Star.

Denver Broncos first-round quarterback Tim Tebow continues to take the first-team reps while Kyle Orton nurses a rib injury.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell is winning over his critics, writes Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck hopes to have a bounce-back game against Atlanta.

Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely has been in the spotlight this week following his 25-point performance against Denver.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson has taken advantage of his increased role in the offense.

New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper is enjoying the national attention he's been getting this week.

Experience has helped Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman cut down on his interceptions.

The Atlanta Falcons need to tighten up its run defense, writes Jeff Haws of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox is preparing for what will likely be his final game with the franchise.

Washington Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers will play against the Cowboys.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and cornerback Asante Samuel both expect to play against the Giants.

New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith faces a long rehab following knee surgery, writes Zach Berman of The Star-Ledger.

Dallas Cowboys undrafted rookie safeties Barry Church and Danny McCray are expected to push for starting jobs in 2011.

Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is defying age and "wear-and-tear" by having an excellent season, writes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.

Detroit Lions linebacker Bobby Carpenter could start at outside linebacker this Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings will be playing the home finale of their 50th season outdoors, in single-digit weather, at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson is eager to face his former college teammate, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bills rookie wide receiver David Jones (23), Panthers practice squad guard Shawn Murphy (28), Lions running back Kevin Smith (24), Dolphins rookie tight end Jeron Mastrud (23), Vikings practice squad guard Seth Olsen (25), Giants cornerback Michael Coe (27), Jets fullback Tony Richardson (39) and punter Steve Weatherford (28), 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes (34), free agent wide receiver Robert Ferguson (31), running back Ryan Moats (28), guard Jamar Nesbit (34), and offensive lineman Adam Ulatoski (25).