Gates scores 3 touchdowns as Chargers shock Seahawks

Antonio Gates returned to vintage form Sunday, scoring three touchdowns as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 30-21.

Box Score | Fantasy Pulse

Here's what you need to know...

• Gates was the story today, catching seven passes for 96 yards and three touchdowns. The Chargers used Gates effectively all over the field, and he continuously baffled Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith.
• Philip Rivers was clinical, completing 28-of-37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns, all to Gates. Rivers doesn't run the ball often, but rushed 11 times for 17 yards.
• It wasn't all good news for the Chargers, however, as Ryan Mathews was carted off the field after fumbling in the fourth quarter, and did not return with a knee injury.
• The Seahawks' vaunted defense failed to create any turnovers, which was likely the difference in the loss.
• Keenan Allen was matched up against Richard Sherman, and performed well with five catches for 55 yards.
• Percy Harvin scored on a 51-yard run for the Seahawks, but it probably shouldn't have counted. Harvin appeared to step out of bounds, but the play wasn't reviewed by the referees or challenged by Chargers coach Mike McCoy.
• It was the second time the Seahawks have allowed 30 or more points in the past three seasons.
• Russell Wilson was effective for the Seahawks, completing 17-of-25 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. After a surprisingly average performance from the defense, he needed to be spectacular.
• Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas left the game, but returned after his ailment was revealed to be a case of cramps.