<div><p>LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles each ran for two touchdowns and Philip Rivers threw for two more to spark San Diego past Tennessee 42-17 in a National Football League game.</p><p>Friday's victory secured the Chargers, who improved to 12-3, a first-round bye in the American Conference playoffs, trailing only undefeated Indianapolis. They will have a conference semi-final game at home next month.</p><p>Tennessee, trying to become the first team to reach the playoffs after losing their first six games, fell to 7-8, likely dooming their quest for the unprecedented season salvation.</p><p>San Diego's 18th win in a row in December matched Miami for the NFL's all-time record in the pivotal month, although the run that began in 2006 will have to wait until 2010 to be extended.</p><p>The Titans opened the scoring on a 46-yard Rob Bironas field goal but Vince Young threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and saw Tennessee commit penalty after penalty to cripple their cause while the Chargers kept rolling.</p><p>Tomlinson gave San Diego the lead for good on a one-yard touchdown run with 76 seconds remaining in the first quarter.</p><p>Rivers built the bulge with touchdown passes of 36 yards to Antonio Gates and three yards to Sproles and even though Young ran three yards for a score to pull the Titans within 21-10 at half-time, San Diego would not be denied.</p><p>Tomlinson scored on another one-yard scamper 5:11 into the third quarter, his 138th in a decade to break an Emmitt Smith NFL record, and Sproles followed with touchdown runs of one and nine yards to secure the blowout victory.</p><p>Tennessee's Chris Johnson ran 30 yards for a late touchdown to trim the final margin.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=65991066&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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