The Los Angeles Chargers are back in the playoffs. They’ll be playing next weekend in the wild card game. They could be anywhere from the No. 5 seed to the No. 7 seed in the AFC. They still have to take on the Denver Broncos in Week 18 before they can focus on their playoff opponent. The Broncos are playing for the No. 1 seed, the Chargers are going to give it their best shot with Trey Lance at quarterback.
What Happened to Justin Herbert?
Herbert is not playing in Week 18 against the Broncos. He fractured his left hand earlier in the season and has toughed through the injury with protective covering on his hand. With no chance of winning the division, the Chargers aren’t willing to put Herbert out there against a very tough defense. Herbert needs to be healthy for the playoffs as he’s been great for Los Angeles.
BREAKING: Chargers QB Trey Lance will start Sunday’s regular season finale vs. Broncos ⚡️
With the Chargers out of contention to win the AFC West, Justin Herbert will sit out, paving the way for Lance to make his first start with the franchise. pic.twitter.com/qZ54vrcGZk
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) December 29, 2025
He ranks 11th in PFSN’s QB Impact score with a grade of 79.2. He has taken his game to a new level by becoming a dangerous threat running the ball as well. He can beat teams through the air and with his legs. With games leading the team in passing and rushing yards, the Chargers cannot afford to risk Herbert in a game with minimal implications.
Los Angeles is confident they can take down whatever team they have to play on the road, so they’ll rock with Lance in Week 18.
The Chargers had the chance to give themselves a winner-take-all game against the Broncos if they beat the Houston Texans in Week 17. The scorching hot Texans took care of the Chargers, eliminating the Chargers from AFC West contention and seemingly paving the way for the Chargers to give Herbert an extra week of rest heading into the playoffs.
Lance is relishing the opportunity to go out there in Week 18. As the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has not lived up to the hype. He’s set to start only his sixth NFL game despite being in the NFL for five seasons now.
“It’s awesome to get reps and know for sure I’m going to be up,” said Lance.
Chargers QB Trey Lance on the opportunity on Sunday: “Going through everything my first five years in the league, I’ve just learned to take everything one day at a time.”
“It’s awesome to get reps and know for sure I’m going to be up” pic.twitter.com/CttcrLCPGm
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 31, 2025
Lance waited his turn for an opportunity and is going to get to show the world what he can offer. He won’t have it easy with a hungry Denver defense looking to feast on a backup quarterback as the Broncos aim for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Patriots fans will be tuning in to see whether Lance can come through to take down the Broncos and give them the opportunity to steal the top AFC seed.
It’s Lance’s time to shine in Week 18 with Herbert sidelined. It’s time to see what he can do.
