Moral victories are not much consolation when a team falls short in the playoffs. But if there is a moral victory for the Los Angeles Chargers, it's that the team who defeated the Bolts may not lose again until they reach the Super Bowl. And they may even win that, too.

Like the Chargers, the Houston Texans were unable to match the buzz saw that is this year's New England Patriots team. And while the Chargers' loss highlighted how far the team is from breaking through its postseason woes, it also highlights that others are not matching what the Patriots are doing this season.

New England will take on the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game.