The Los Angeles Chargers will sit quarterback Justin Herbert and other key starters in their regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos. This decision clears a path for Denver to clinch the AFC's top seed. The Chargers, already secured in a wild card spot, aim to preserve health for the playoffs.
On Monday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Justin Herbert will not start in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos, with backup Trey Lance set to make his first start of the season. Harbaugh also stated that other starters with "the most bruises" and needing "the most healing" will sit out the game.
The Chargers enter Week 18 with an 11-5 record, holding the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff picture behind the 11-5 Houston Texans and ahead of the 11-5 Buffalo Bills. They have clinched a wild card berth and will play on the road in the first round regardless of the outcome in Denver, though the exact opponent remains undetermined.
For the Broncos, who stand at 13-3 and currently occupy the AFC's No. 1 seed, a victory over the Chargers is crucial to secure the top spot and a first-round bye. Denver shares the same record with the New England Patriots but holds the common games tiebreaker advantage. The Broncos were the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth this season and have already won the AFC West.
Oddsmakers list the Broncos as seven-point favorites for the Sunday afternoon matchup, scheduled for the 2:25 p.m. ET window on CBS. The Chargers previously defeated Denver earlier this season, but with starters resting and Herbert nursing injuries, the focus shifts to playoff preparation for Los Angeles. This development simplifies Denver's path toward a potential Super Bowl run.
