NFL: San Diego 41, Tampa Bay 24

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The San Diego Chargers, led by Philip Rivers' four touchdown passes, thumped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-24 Sunday, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Antonio Gates caught two of the scoring passes in the third straight win for the Chargers (7-8).

San Diego's Antoine Cason scored on a 59-yard run after picking off a pass.

Jeff Garcia passed for 232 yards and a score for Tampa Bay (9-6).

The Bucs' Antonio Bryant had six catches for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Tampa Bay has lost three straight contests.