The Los Angeles Chargers have been inconsistent at times this season, and that was on full display in Week 17 when their loss to the Houston Texans ended their hopes of winning the division and claiming the AFC’s top seed.
However, Los Angeles has done enough to clinch a playoff spot, but failed to improve its seeding due to a loss in Week 18.
Chargers Playoff Seeding After Week 18
Competing in the same division as the Denver Broncos was always going to be a challenge, yet the Chargers remained in the AFC West title race until their Week 17 setback. With a postseason berth secured, Los Angeles headed to Denver for the regular-season finale.
The Chargers, however, were heavy underdogs. Injuries have taken a significant toll late in the year, and the team opted to rest several key starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert. As a result, PFSN’s Playoff Predictor gave Los Angeles just an 18.5% chance of upsetting the Broncos.
The Chargers lost 19-3 against the Broncos and will be the seventh seed in the AFC. They will face the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round.
Even after a loss to the Broncos, Los Angeles could have still secured the No. 6 seed with some help. A Bills loss to the Jets, combined with a Texans win over the Colts, would have been enough. Unfortunately, the Bills secured a win, and they will now play the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round.
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According to PFSN’s projections, the most likely scenario was for the Chargers to finish as the No. 7 seed, with a 60.88% chance. That would have occurred if Los Angeles had lost to Denver and the Bills had defeated the Jets, which eventually happened.
With limited upside in the standings and multiple injuries to manage, resting key starters made strategic sense. Los Angeles will now shift focus towards facing Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, who have had a spectacular season.
Here’s the current playoff picture looks ahead of Sunday Night Football:
AFC
1. Denver Broncos (BYE)
2. New England Patriots vs. 7. Los Angeles Chargers
3. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. 6. Buffalo Bills
4. Pittsburgh Steelers/Baltimore Ravens vs. 5. Houston Texans
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (BYE)
2. Chicago Bears vs. 7. Green Bay Packers
3. Philadelphia Eagles vs. 6. San Francisco 49ers
5. Los Angeles Rams vs. 4. Carolina Panthers
Herbert has not won a playoff game in his career, and going against a quarterback in Maye, who will make his postseason debut, is a good opportunity for the Chargers star to prove that he is an elite quarterback.
