text: The Chargers were defeated 23–21 by the Miami Dolphins. On December 18, 2005, the Chargers defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 26–17 who had won their previous 13 games. The Kansas City Chiefs then defeated the Chargers 20–7, and the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Chargers lost their final game of the season 23–7 to the Denver Broncos. The Chargers completed the 2005 season with a 9–7 record.
  2006–2012: Rise of Philip Rivers
  In the 2006 season, the Chargers finished the season 14–2, their best record ever. Their only losses came against the Ravens and Chiefs. The team lost Drew Brees in free agency to the New Orleans Saints, setting the stage for 2004 draft pick Philip Rivers to take over at quarterback. They were seeded first in the AFC playoffs. In the divisional round, the Chargers were defeated by the Patriots 24–21. After the season, Schottenheimer left and Norv Turner became the head coach.
  In the 2007 season, the Chargers went 11–5 and defeated the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts in the first two playoff rounds, before being defeated by the Patriots in the AFC championship game.
  In the 2008 season, the Chargers posted an 8–8 record. Despite that, they won the AFC West title over a weak field. The Chargers defeated the Colts in the wild card round but lost to the Steelers in the divisional round.