The Los Angeles Chargers have basically secured at the very least a wild card spot in the AFC playoff picture after two wild wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles over the past two weeks. Still, with three weeks left in the season, the Chargers could potentially not only be a wild card participant but a division winner in the playoffs. Here’s how.
The Chargers get an already eliminated Cowboys squad this weekend, while the Broncos take on the resurgent Jacksonville Jaguars, a team who are fighting for a division title themselves. As of right now, the Chargers only have a 9 percent chance of winning the AFC West. That number could inflate to 26 percent should the Chargers win and the Broncos lose.
When you compare the two games, it is clear to see that that situation isn’t as improbable as it seems. The Cowboys, eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Vikings Monday night, are limping into this game, having let up 78 points over their past two losses. Their playoff chances will be all but over should the Eagles lock up a win over the Commanders.
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The Broncos on the other hand, while coming off perhaps their best performance of the season, will be facing a red hot Jacksonville Jaguars team that has won its past five games. Trevor Lawrence is at the top of his game, having just accounted for six touchdowns against the Jets. It should be an electrifying game between two talented teams that could really go either way.
If this scenario ultimately plays out, as long as the Chargers follow up with a win in Week 17 against another red hot AFC South squad in the Texans, it could set up a winner take all matchup in Week 18.
As it stands right now, the Chargers would be traveling to Pittsburgh for a wild card matchup. Considering they’re a West Coast team, it’s not exactly the game you want to get stuck with in the first round. Especially considering the fact that the Chargers are far from healthy. While being the No. 1 seed may not be as nice either, as you could potentially face one of the Bills or Texans, at the very least, you would have home-field advantage.
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Most importantly, with a potential AFC West title, Justin Herbert can get even healthier for a playoff run. He has been playing through a hand injury that may be hampering his overall performance, despite coming on his non-throwing hand. His past two performances haven’t looked the best and there have been rumors of his trouble to corral snaps under center.
If the Chargers were to win the West, Herbert would get an extra week off. It could also bode well for an O-line that has struggled all season to find its footing.
The bottom line is that while the chances are still slim, there is a path where the Chargers could find themselves in prime position to make a playoff run.
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