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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the San Diego Chargers in the first half of an NFL football game on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Detroit. Duane Burleson, Associated Press
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball as center Nick Hardwick (61) blocks Detroit Lions defensive tackle Corey Williams (99) in the first quarter an NFL football game in Detroit, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. Rick Osentoski, Associated Press
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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. Rick Osentoski, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) catches the ball as San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. Rick Osentoski, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) scores a touchdown as San Diego Chargers strong safety Steve Gregory (28) defends in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. Rick Osentoski, Associated Press
By Associated Press

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions made the playoffs for the first time since 1999 as Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes in the first half to beat the San Diego Chargers 38-10 Saturday.

Detroit (10-5) has won three straight after a seven-game slump to earn a wild-card spot in the playoffs.

According to the Chargers (7-8), they will not be in the postseason for a second straight year after making it five times in a six-season stretch. And that might cost coach Norv Turner his job.

The Lions held San Diego scoreless until midway through the third quarter, when Philip Rivers threw an 11-yard pass to Malcom Floyd to make it 24-7.

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Detroit, though, closed strong to restore the rout.

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