Bolts From The Blue
Confidence in the Chargers’ postseason potential has grown and and shrunk wildly this year depending on the week. After starting 3-0 against the AFC West, it seemed like it was going to be a magical year for the Bolts. Fast-forward to their bye week (after going 4-4 over their next eight games) and the vibes nothing close to immaculate as they were coming off a lopsided loss to the Jaguars.
But even after dominating the Raiders this past Sunday, it’s difficult to feel much optimism regarding their playoff chances given that they’re about to face a final five-game stretch that against the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, and Broncos, all of whom have eight or more wins aside from the surging Cowboys.
The Chargers will likely have to go at least 2-3 in those games to get to 10 wins if they want a better than decent shot at earning spot. Remember, last season every team that won 10 games except for the Seahawks made the postseason. Nine-win teams can make it, of course, but 10 is just that much safer.
Now, if you’re CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles, you actually have quite a bit of confidence in the Chargers simply due to who they have at the quarterback position. In a new piece by Pereles where he ranks 20 playoff contenders by tiers, he has the Bolts amongst the top five, but in tier two, which includes the Chiefs, Bills, and Chargers. This tier is called the “Quarterbacks Can Carry Them” tier and I can’t say Pereles is wrong at all on this one. It’s how this team is year-in and year-out, so no surprises here.
“Herbert also gets a nod here, though the Chargers’ crumbling offensive line and Herbert’s health are significant causes for concern” says Pereles*. ‘‘Rewatch his performances from Week 1 against the Chiefs and Week 3 against the Broncos, though, and you’ll see the magic he can produce on any play.*“
Do you think is a good placement for the Chargers in a set of rankings like this? Are the Chargers really going to be in it as long as Herbert is under center? Let us know all of your thoughts below!
