SAN DIEGO -- A few thoughts on the San Diego Chargers’ 27-24 win over the St. Louis Rams.

What it means: After winning two straight games coming out of the bye week, the Chargers (7-4) allowed the Rams to close a 10-point lead to three points with 2:14 left in the game, but held on for the victory after safety Marcus Gilchrist's interception in the end zone with just over a minute remaining. San Diego is a game behind the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (8-3) and tied with the Kansas City Chiefs (7-4). The Broncos travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs next week, and San Diego takes on the Baltimore Ravens (6-4) on the road.

Chargers led by turnovers: Heading into Sunday’s contest, San Diego’s defense had forced just one turnover in the past four games. But a Brandon Flowers interception led to a Nick Novak 23-yard field goal. Darrell Stuckey blocked a Greg Zuerlein 46-yard field goal attempt. And linebacker Andrew Gachkar rumbled 13 yards on a fumble return forced by Corey Liuget for a score. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Gachkar’s score was the first defensive touchdown for San Diego since Week 9 of last season. The Chargers had gone 18 games without a defensive score over that span.

Mathews regains form, suffers injury: In his second game back since missing seven games with a knee sprain, Ryan Mathews rushed for more than 100 yards for the first time this season. Mathews finished with 105 yards on 12 rushes, including a 32-yard run for a score. It’s the first time Mathews has rushed for more than 100 yards since totaling 144 yards in a 27-24 overtime win over Kansas City last Dec. 29 that clinched a playoff berth. Mathews suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter, but did return to the game.

Stock watch – Down: Philip Rivers wasn’t awful, but he has not returned to the MVP-type effort we saw from him early in the season. Rivers finished 29-of-35 for 291 yards, one touchdown pass and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Rivers eclipsed 35,000 career passing yards with his effort on Sunday and now has 35,204.

Up-and-down game for Allen: Keenan Allen rebounded from a couple of costly mistakes. He continued to struggle finding a rhythm with Rivers. Allen finished with six receptions for a team-high 104 receiving yards. But he failed to knock down a pass in the end zone that St. Louis cornerback Janoris Jenkins intercepted and returned 99 yards for touchdown. Allen also fumbled after a long reception and muffed a punt after cornerback Chris Davis ran into him. However, Allen corralled his second touchdown catch of the year, a 29-yard reception for the winning score. Allen has as many tackles (2) as touchdown catches (2) this season.

Game ball: On second-and-goal from San Diego's 4-yard line with just over a minute remaining, Gilchrist picked off a Shaun Hill pass intended for Kenny Britt in the end zone, returning the ball to his team's 3-yard line to preserve the win.

What’s next: The Chargers go on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.