UPDATE: The Los Angeles Chargers are set to take on the New England Patriots in the AFC Wild Card round after suffering a 19-3 loss to the Denver Broncos earlier today at Empower Field at Mile High. This defeat has significant implications for the Chargers’ playoff journey.
Following the loss, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen expressed a candid view of the playoff landscape, stating, “Yeah, kind of. The seeds don’t really matter. Home-field advantage doesn’t.” The Chargers, now holding the seventh seed in the AFC, must upset the Patriots next weekend to keep their championship hopes alive.
The Chargers (11-6) were unable to secure the sixth seed after today’s game, which saw an underwhelming performance from their backup quarterback, Trey Lance. Lance, making his first start with the Chargers, struggled significantly, completing just 20 of 44 passes for 136 yards and a 43.4 passer rating. His inexperience showed, especially against a formidable Broncos defense that recorded a franchise-high 68 sacks this season.
With key players like star quarterback Justin Herbert, safety Derwin James, and edge rusher Khalil Mack resting ahead of next week’s critical match, the Chargers treated today’s game like a preseason matchup. Coach Jim Harbaugh opted to sit 14 regulars, focusing on the upcoming playoff battle.
Should the Chargers pull off an upset against New England, they would earn a rematch with the Broncos (14-3) in two weeks. The Broncos secured the top seed in the AFC with their victory today, setting the stage for a potentially explosive playoff series.
“We are going to focus on New England,” Harbaugh confirmed, emphasizing the urgency of the upcoming game.
In the previous matchup this season, the Chargers narrowly defeated the Broncos 23-20 in Week 3, with Herbert leading the charge. This time, the stakes are higher as both teams prepare for a grueling postseason.
As the Chargers regroup for the playoffs, fans are eager to see if they can overcome the odds and advance further in the postseason. The upcoming game against the Patriots promises to be a defining moment for the team, making it a must-watch for all football enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for updates as the Chargers prepare to battle the Patriots on January 14, 2024.
