NFL: San Diego 48, Denver 20

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- LaDainian Tomlinson scored three times Sunday, and set the NFL single-season touchdown record, as the San Diego Chargers belted Denver, 48-20.

Tomlinson gained 103 yards on 28 carries, and two of his touchdowns came in the fourth quarter as San Diego turned the game into a rout.

He has scored 29 touchdowns this season, breaking the record of 28 set last year by Seattle running back Shaun Alexander.

Philip Rivers threw for two touchdowns to Antonio Gates and completed 15-of-23 passes for 279 yards for the Chargers (11-2), who have won seven games in a row and clinched a playoff berth by winning the AFC West Division title.

Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler, making his second NFL start, threw for two scores and 188 yards on 17-of-30 passing for Denver. Tony Scheffler scored twice on three catches for 66 yards, and Tatum Bell rushed for 116 yards on 17 carries for the Broncos, who have a four-game losing streak.