The New England Patriots have had their sights set on the AFC’s top seed since they rattled off ten wins in a row in the middle of the season.
The Patriots currently sit tied with the Denver Broncos for the best records in the conference at 13-3.
However, thanks to New England’s head-scratching loss to the 2-14 Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, Denver has the tiebreaker over New England thanks to its record against common opponents.
This means that Patriots fans were depending on the Los Angeles Chargers to beat the Broncos in Week 18 to secure the Patriots’ one seed.
That was until head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday afternoon that the Chargers would be resting some starters, including superstar quarterback Justin Herbert.
“Jim Harbaugh said QB Justin Herbert wonât play Sunday against the Broncos,” insider Kris Rhim reported on X. “Said other starters with ‘the most bruises’ and need ‘the most healing’ wonât play.”
This will leave the tall task of beating the 13-3 Broncos up to disgraced former third overall selection Trey Lance.
Lance has made just five NFL starts since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft; his record is 2-3 as a starter.
Bright Side For The Patriots In Playoff Draw
The bright side for New England is that the Chargers are easily the weakest playoff draw in the field.
The Houston Texans have quietly not lost in more than two months, while a third matchup with the Buffalo Bills is not what any Patriots fan wants to see.
While the fan base would much prefer to be sitting at home in round one of the playoffs, having the Chargers come to New England is easily the next best option.
“There you have it from the Chargers side. Hard to imagine LA beating the Broncos with Trey Lance at QB,” Patriots insider Evan Lazar wrote in an X post. “Still think thereâs value in the #Patriots playing for the No. 2 seed. Guarantees two home playoff games and maybe you avoid BUF/HOU in the wild card round.”
The only scenario in which the Bills could be the round one draw is if head coach Sean McDermott follows suit.
Josh Allen has been beat up since Week 16. A nagging foot injury would be the perfect reason to sit him during their Week 18 game against the New York Jets.
If the Chargers and the Bills both lose, it would be Buffalo who would come to Gillette Stadium in two weeks.
If the Bills win and the Chargers lose, it will be the Bolts.
If the Chargers somehow win, the Patriots can kick their feet up in the Wildcard round after earning a bye.
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