The Los Angeles Chargers did their part in Week 16.
A convincing win over the Dallas Cowboys kept their momentum intact. A few hours later, help arrived elsewhere, reshaping the AFC picture and opening a door that had previously looked closed.
With two weeks left, the Chargers are no longer just chasing positioning. They’re back in the conversation for the No. 1 seed.
What Changed for the Chargers in Week 16
GettyHead coach Jim Harbaugh and safety Tony Jefferson of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers entered the weekend needing help to stay alive in the AFC West race.
They got it.
Denver’s loss snapped its long winning streak and tightened the standings at the top of the conference. Combined with Los Angeles continuing to win, the math shifted quickly.
The result: the Chargers now control their path to the AFC West title and remain alive for the top seed.
Step One: Handle Their Own Business
The Chargers’ path starts with something simple.
They have to win out.
Victories in their final two games would push Los Angeles to 13 wins and secure the division title outright. If that happens, several teams are automatically removed from the No. 1 seed conversation.
At that point, the field narrows considerably.
Which Teams Still Matter to the Chargers
If the Chargers finish 13–4, the race for the No. 1 seed realistically comes down to three variables.
New England Patriots
If the Patriots reach 13 wins but stumble once along the way, the Chargers would hold the edge in conference record. That tiebreaker matters.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills remain in the mix as well, but a similar rule applies. A 13–4 tie would favor Los Angeles due to conference performance.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This is where things get complicated.
If Jacksonville also reaches 13 wins, the Chargers are likely blocked. A head-to-head loss earlier in the season weighs heavily in both two-team and multi-team tiebreaker scenarios.
In short, the Chargers need help here.
For the Chargers to earn the No. 1 seed, the checklist is straightforward, even if the execution isn’t.
• Win their final two games
• Have New England or Buffalo drop at least one game
• Have Jacksonville lose at least once
That combination clears the path.
Without it, the Chargers are still in strong position — just not at the very top.
Why This Opportunity Is Real
This isn’t about hypotheticals anymore.
The Chargers have already done the hard part by staying alive deep into December. They’ve put themselves in position where meaningful games remain meaningful.
Even if the No. 1 seed doesn’t materialize, winning the division and securing a favorable playoff path still carries weight.
But the door is open. The Chargers just need a few more things to fall their way.
And first, they need to keep winning.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post How the Chargers Can Still Finish as the AFC’s Top Seed appeared first on Heavy Sports.