Chargers vs. Jets Monday Night Football highlights: LA climbs into AFC wild-card race

The Los Angeles Chargers are back to .500 after breezing to a 27-6 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on "Monday Night Football."

Austin Ekeler scored two touchdowns and Keenan Allen made history by notching 10,000 career receiving yards. The wide receiver reached the mark on a leaping catch in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with eight catches for 77 yards.

The Jets committed three turnovers as they had their three-game winning streak snapped. All three lost balls were fumbles, including two from quarterback Zach Wilson.

Los Angeles’ defense sacked Wilson eight times. Joey Bosa had 2.5 of the quarterback sacks while Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu each had a pair. They kept the Jets out of the end zone in the last minute of the game.

New York’s defense sacked Justin Herbert five times as its offense outperformed the Chargers, racking up 270 yards to compared to Los Angeles’ 191.

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The special teams also helped the Chargers’ cause as rookie Derius Davis had an 87-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter.

Herbert hugged last year’s defensive rookie of the year Sauce Gardner after he took a knee to close out the game. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers vs. Jets highlights

The Chargers rolled past the Jets behind Derius Davis' punt return touchdown, Austin Ekeler's two scores and a sack-happy defense.

Winners and losers from Chargers' win over Jets

WINNERS

Chargers defense keeps Jets out of end zone: The Chargers defense forced and recovered two fumbles, had one sack and only allowed 52 yards in the first quarter. Their performance in the first period set the tone for the rest of the game.

Los Angeles allowed a field goal in the second quarter and one more field goal in the third, but that was it. The six points represented the fewest the Chargers defense allowed all season.

The Chargers defense forced the Jets to go 3-for-17 on third downs and held New York to a 3.5-yard average per play.

Los Angeles’ defense forced three total takeaways that led to 14 points. The unit also had eight sacks.

The Chargers took most of their defensive starters out late in the fourth quarter.

Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and rookie Tuli Tuipulotu: Mack, Bosa and Tuipulotu all deserve game balls for the Chargers. The three edge rushers were the best players on the field in the victory.

Bosa put together his best game of the season. The Chargers' outside linebacker had six tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Mack caused fits for the Jets' offensive line. He had five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

Tuipulotu continues to impress as a rookie and shines when he’s on the field with both Mack and Bosa. He also tallied five tackles and two sacks.

Mack, Bosa and Tuipulotu were disruptive on passing downs and held their own against the run. The trio combined for 6.5 of the Chargers’ eight sacks and they totaled four tackles for loss.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen hits milestone: Allen came into the game just 70 yards away (9,930) from reaching 10,000 career receiving yards.

The Chargers veteran wideout eclipsed 10,000 career receiving yards in style. He had a circus catch early in the fourth quarter that set up a Chargers field goal.

Allen finished with a team-high eight catches for 77 yards.

Chargers rookie returns punt for touchdown: Derius Davis returned a punt 87 yards to the house for the game’s first score. The TCU product alluded a few Jets on the way to the end zone.

Davis’ touchdown was the first punt returned for a touchdown by the Chargers since 2019.

LOSERS

Jets offense is lifeless: The Jets offense was abysmal Monday night. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson missed open pass catchers on multiple occasions in each half. The Jets averaged just 3.5 yards per play and were kept out of the end zone.

New York’s offensive line didn’t help Wilson out too much either. Wilson was under duress often in passing situations. He was sacked eight times and hit an additional eight more in the loss. To make matters worse, Wilson’s poor pocket awareness exacerbated New York’s problems on offense.

The Jets offense lost three fumbles and Thomas Morstead was forced to punt seven times.

Chargers offense struggles vs. Jets defense: If the Jets offense was abysmal, the Chargers offense was just flat out bad.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert never got into a rhythm, and he was under pressure for most of the night. Herbert was sacked five times and passed for a season-low 136 yards.

The Chargers only put together two drives of 50 yards or more. It was a struggle for the Chargers offense, but they didn’t have to do much in the win. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 27, Jets 6: Khalil Mack forced fumble results in Austin Ekeler TD

Austin Ekeler scored his second touchdown of the night, a 2-yard score, with 3:22 left in the game.

The Chargers had the ball after Khalil Mack strip sacked Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Alohi Gilman scooped up the ball and ran down the field all the way to the end zone. Upon review, the safety's toe went out at the two-yard line.

The fumble was New York’s third turnover of the day. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers 20, Jets 6: Chargers extend lead with historic day for Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen crossed the 10,000-yard career receiving yards in the fourth quarter of the Chargers game against the Jets.

The wideout made history with an eye-popping catch on third-and-four from the New York 47-yard line. Justin Herbert found Allen downfield and he leaped in the air to grab the ball behind him before falling to the turf.

The Chargers converted four third downs on the drive, but they weren’t able to recover from a sack from Bryce Huff that gave them second-and-13.

On fourth-and-6, Cameron Dicker nailed a 38-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 20-6. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers take lead into fourth quarter

The Chargers defense has kept the Jets out of the end zone despite New York’s offense outperforming them 176 yards to 128.

Joey Bosa has been swarming the field and has 2.5 sacks to go with six tackles.

Los Angeles started the fourth quarter marching down the field.

The Chargers are up 17-6 at the end of the third quarter. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers 17, Jets 6: Jets offense finds some life to start third quarter

Zach Wilson and the Jets offense had their most promising drive of the game to start the second half.

The Jets went on a nine-play, 48-yard drive to get into Los Angeles territory, but the possession broke down when the Chargers registered sacks on consecutive plays.

New York had to settle for a 46-yard field goal by kicker Greg Zuerlein. Zuerlein’s converted both of his field goal attempts Monday night. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 17, Jets 3: Cameron Dicker's long field goal extends lead at half

The Chargers ended a strong first half with a 55-yard field goal by kicker Cameron Dicker that increased their lead, 17-3.

Overall, defenses ruled the first two quarters. The Chargers and Jets combined for 11 total punts.

The Chargers defensed forced two fumbles and sacked Jets quarterback Zach Wilson twice.

The Jets defense sacked Justin Herbert three times and held the Chargers to just 3-for-9 on third downs.

Los Angeles scored the halves two touchdowns on an 87-yard punt return by rookie Derius Davis and on a 1-yard touchdown run by Austin Ekeler.

The Chargers have 108 total yards. The Jets have 104. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 14, Jets 3: Greg Zuerlein gets Jets on the board

The Jets got their first score of the game in the second quarter.

On fourth-and-5, Greg Zuerlein made a 47-yard field goal attempt to notch three points.

The score finished an eight-play, 31-yard drive that featured 15 yards from running back Breece Hall. — Victoria Hernandez

Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on ManningCast

The ManningCast got a bonus guest when Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Peyton Manning and Eli Manning during their "Monday Night Football" simulcast.

The action hero star brought his pet donkey. — Josh Peter

Chargers take 14-0 lead into second quarter

The Chargers had a superb first quarter.

Rookie Derius Davis returned a punt 87 yards for a score, and the Chargers offense answered a Jets turnover with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by running back Austin Ekeler.

The Chargers defense might’ve put together their best first quarter of the season.

Los Angeles had two forced fumbles, one sack and allowed just 52 yards. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers 14, Jets 0: Austin Ekeler extends LA's lead

After a monster 20-yard run from Austin Ekeler, the Chargers scored their first offensive points of the game with a touchdown.

The running back’s jaunt was initially ruled a touchdown, but review showed he was down on his back at the 1-yard line.

Justin Herbert threw an incomplete pass and then a run play was called back because of defensive offsides. On second-and-goal, Herbert handed the ball off to the star rusher, who ran into the offensive line, scampered to his right and found his way into the end zone. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers defense forces second turnover of first quarter

The Chargers defense has forced two fumbles in the first quarter.

With the Jets in Los Angeles territory, Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa sacked the Jets' Zach Wilson and stripped the football from the quarterback. Bosa turned around and found the football loose on the ground for the taking at the 50-yard line. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers snag Garrett Wilson fumble

After catching a break with a roughing the passer penalty on their second drive of the game, the Jets gave up a turnover.

On first-and-10 from the Chargers' 44-yard line, Zach Wilson found Garrett Wilson downfield for a 7-yard pass play. The wide receiver was tackled by safety Alohi Gilman, who stripped the ball. Derwin James then landed on the ball inbounds for the Chargers recovery. — Victoria Hernandez

Chargers 7, Jets 0: Rookie Derius Davis has punt return TD

The Chargers defense forced a three-and-out and a Jets punt on their first series. Rookie Derius Davis then put an exclamation point on the three-and-out.

Davis took the punt 87 yards to the house for the game’s first score. The TCU product alluded a few Jets on the way to the long score.

Davis’ touchdown was the first punt returned for a TD by the Chargers since 2019. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers go three-and-out to start the game

The Jets took momentum early by forcing the Chargers to go three-and-out to start the game.

Austin Ekeler started the drive with a two-yard run. Then Justin Herbert chucked the ball downfield for Quentin Johnston, who was tightly covered by Sauce Gardner. A second incomplete pass closed the drive and JK Scott booted a 49-yard punt.

The Chargers scored on their first drive last week in a 30-13 win against the Chicago Bears. — Victoria Hernandez

What time is Chargers vs. Jets?

Kickoff for the Chargers-Jets game is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.

How can I watch Chargers vs. Jets?

Chargers at Jets will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

The ManningCast alternate simulcast returns for the Chargers-Jets game, and will air on ESPN2. Peyton and Eli Manning will have Arnold Schwarzenegger, Trevor Lawrence, Keyshawn Johnson as guests.

Aaron Rodgers seen throwing football during pregame warmups

Add this development as one that will continue to further stimulate the hopes of Jets fans eager to see the unlikely return to the field this season for a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

It's been less than two months since Aaron Rodgers suffered what was feared to be a season-ending Achilles injury during just his fourth snap for the Jets. Yet, the quarterback was throwing the football around on the MetLife Stadium field prior to the Jets' game against the Chargers.

Before Monday night's game, Rodgers was seen walking into the Jets locker room on his own, without the aid of a cart and without a limp.

On Saturday, Rodgers was among those in the crowd at Santa Anita Park for the Breeders' Cup, and reiterated to NBC Sports his hopes to play again during the 2023 NFL season.

"It's a process, step by step, day by day," Rodgers said during the interview. "There’s some great days, some rough days. But the goal for me is to come back this year."

Two weeks ago during an appearance on the "Manningcast," Rodgers was asked about a possible comeback in 2023.

"Listen, I’d love to come back this season,’’ Rodgers said. "... I think for me you always have to set a goal. Otherwise you go kind of crazy. And so the goal is to definitely come back." — Jim Reineking

Keenan Allen approaching 10,000 career receiving yards

Keenan Allen, the 11th-year Chargers wide receiver, leads the team in receptions (54) and receiving yards (643) entering Monday night. Allen is just 70 yards away (9,930) from reaching 10,000 career receiving yards.

Allen is second on the Chargers' all-time receiving yardage list:

1. Antonio Gates (2003-2018): 11,841
2. Keenan Allen (2013-present): 9,930
3. Lance Alworth (1962-1970): 9,584
4. Charlie Joiner (1976-1986): 9,203
5. Gary Garrison (1966-1976): 7,533
6. Kellen Winslow (1979-1987): 6,741
7. Wes Chandler (1981-1987): 6,132
8. Anthony Miller (1988-1993): 5,582
9. Malcom Floyd (2004-2015): 5,550
10. Mike Williams (2017-present): 4,754

— Tyler Dragon

Sauce Island?

Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, the 2022 NFL defensive rookie of the year, has three passes defensed entering Week 9. Gardner’s 23 career passes defensed are tied for the fourth most in the NFL since the start of the 2022 season. — Tyler Dragon

Chargers vs. Jets inactives: Randall Cobb won't play

Jets wide receiver Randall Cobb appears to be a health scratch for Monday night's game against the Chargers. Despite taking part in a full practice on Saturday, Cobb — who was listed on the injury report with a shoulder ailment — is inactive. Meanwhile, fellow receiver Allen Lazard (knee) and safety Adrian Amos (ankle) are active, despite being listed as questionable in the lead-up to the game.

Chargers' inactive players:

• RB Elijah Dotson
• RB Isaiah Spiller
• OL Zack Bailey
• DL Scott Matlock
• S Jaylinn Hawkins

Jets' inactive players:

• RB Israel Abanikanda
• WR Jason Brownlee
• WR Randall Cobb
• DE Carl Lawson
• OL Dennis Kelly
• DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
• LB Chazz Surratt

Chargers vs. Jets predictions

Lorenzo Reyes: Chargers 27, Jets 17

If the Jets are to win, or even make this close, New York’s defense will have to carry the weight. That has been the case all season long. The Chargers, and specifically quarterback Justin Herbert, get into a rhythm Monday night and Herbert’s issue with his finger injury appears to have been solved.

Tyler Dragon: Chargers 23, Jets 21

Did Week 8’s win over the Bears ignite the Chargers? Brandon Staley certainly hopes so. The Chargers are the more desperate team as they hope to dig themselves out of a self-inflicted hole. Justin Herbert shined on Sunday night. Will he shine again on Monday night versus a formidable Jets defense?

Safid Deen: Jets 24, Chargers 17

Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler returned to form against the Bears last week, but they’re just unlucky when it comes to winning close games.  Somehow, Robert Saleh has the Jets at 4-3. The Jets have one of the best defenses in the NFL, but Zach Wilson and the offense are still struggling. Still, they have found ways to win. And they’ll win again this week against the Chargers. 

Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 21, Jets 16

The Chargers offense showed how good it is in the thrashing of Chicago, but in New York, they'll deal with a tough test from the Jets defense. What gets the job done though is the Los Angeles defense holding down Zach Wilson and company from generating much, as the Chargers get back to .500.

Chargers vs. Jets odds

The Chargers entered Monday as three-point favorites, according to BetMGM NFL odds.

Betting odds and tips for 'Monday Night Football' games

Highlighting Monday Night Football odds, the New York Jets were among the best bets for NFL Week 9 as home underdogs. The Los Angeles Chargers are favored by 3 points in the matchup, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, neither team boasts a player among those with the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. Among teams with the best Super Bowl betting odds, the Chargers (+4000) are favored over the Jets (+6600).

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and more.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

NFL Week 9 winners and losers

For the Dolphins and Cowboys a concerning trend has lingered, where both squads bully bad teams but fail to close against teams with winning records.

Here is USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes' full rundown of the biggest winners and losers from Week 9.

32 things we learned in NFL Week 9

The NFL quarterback carousel spun out of control on Sunday, with seven teams making a chance at the position from the previous week.

What else did USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis learn during Week 9?

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