Mile High Report
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters this afternoon that quarterback Justin Herbert will NOT start vs. the Broncos in their season finale game this Sunday. After their loss on Saturday to the Texans, the Denver Broncos clinched the AFC West title, and the Chargers were locked into a wildcard spot with little to play for this week. So, Harbaugh is opting to rest the banged-up Herbert and likely other key starters for the finale vs. the Broncos.
Obviously, this is huge news for the Broncos, who, despite being the current one seed in the AFC and your 2025 AFC West Champs, have something to play for this weekend. With a win over the Chargers, the Broncos will clinch the one seed, a bye week, and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. So, the Chargers resting their starters is a huge turn of events for the Broncos.
With Herbert sitting out this game, we’ll see backup quarterback Trey Lance lead the Chargers offense against the Broncos top ranked defense. He is a big and athletic quarterback with a strong arm and running ability, but has struggled with injuries and lacks overall experience in the NFL. Despite that, he is a physically gifted player, and the Broncos’ defense will still need to play well if they want to win this game.
I would anticipate other top players like Ladd McConkey, Omarion Hampton, Derwin James, Khalil Mack, and others will sit out this game as well. They have little to play for and will either be the 6th or 7th seed in the playoffs, so it wouldn’t make sense to risk your key starters in a game that doesn’t really matter to you. This should benefit Bo Nix and the Broncos offense, who will not see these key defensive starters and be able to move the ball up and down the field as they did during the season finale last season, when the Chiefs rested their key starters.
We will likely know more on who is and who isn’t playing as the week progresses, but I am anticipating a large number of the Chargers’ key starters will not be playing in this game.
Despite all of this, the Broncos still need to perform on the field. They have faced backup quarterbacks a few times this season and had some struggles. Do not take the foot off the pedal and take care of the Justin Herbert-less Chargers and clinch that number one seed, the bye week, and most importantly, homefield advantage throughout the postseason.
Oh, and the Broncos are wearing their throwbacks.
They will be celebrating in style this Sunday after defeating the Chargers and clinching homefield advantage.
Go Broncos!
