Bolts From The Blue
The Los Angeles Chargers are resting their starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos to close out the regular season.
The Chargers are sitting a good amount of their starters because the team is no longer eligible to win the AFC West after their Week 17 loss at home against the Houston Texans.
The Chargers are locked into one of the three Wild Card spots in the AFC playoffs, which is part of the reason why FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 7.5-point underdog against the Broncos, who would clinch a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win at home.
The Chargers are 11-5, which is two games back the Broncos in the AFC West. If the Chargers beat the Broncos, it would open the door for the New England Patriots to clinch the No. 1 seed if they were to beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.
In all likelihood, the Chargers will end up with either the number 6 or 7 seed. That will give them a chance to face off against a division winner in the wild card round. That team will likely be one of the Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars or Texans, depending on how the AFC South ends up shaking out.
Kickoff between the Chargers and Broncos is set for Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT from Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it on Paramount Plus.
