The Chargers held the ball, the Lions wilted in the heat and San Diego, overcoming a poor first half with timely defense and precision passing, took its season opener before 66,000 at Qualcomm Stadium.
Dominant stretch
The Chargers scored 30 consecutive points and walked off a 33-28 winner.
Philip Rivers topped 400 yards passing for the second time in his career, and John Pagano's defense found its sea legs midway the game.
Lions had no answer
Keenan Allen caught 15 passes, tying Kellen Winslow's club record.
Allen, winner of the U-T's training camp MVP award, gave headaches to Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis, who at 35 is 12 years his senior.