The Los Angeles Chargers held off a fourth-quarter comeback by the Baltimore Ravens to win 23-17 and set up an NFL divisional play-off game against the New England Patriots.

In a game dominated by defence, the Chargers led 12-0 at half-time through four Michael Badgley field goals as the Ravens’ rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled.

Justin Tucker cut the deficit with a field goal of his own after Badgley had one blocked, but the Chargers finally scored the game’s first touchdown after a dramatic series.

Derek Watt’s catch at the end of the third quarter and Melvin Gordon’s run and dive at the start of the fourth were both ruled inches short of the end zone after video reviews, but Gordon punched the ball in on fourth down and Philip Rivers found receiver Mike Williams wide open for a two-point conversion.

Tucker missed a field goal and Badgley’s fifth successful kick provided important insurance for the visitors as Jackson finally sparked his side into life. He connected with Michael Crabtree for a pair of touchdowns but his team still came up short by six points.