18 week in NFL is more important for some teams than others. There are divisions like the NFC South and AFC North that have yet to earn a spot, while there are other teams that have already clinched playoff spots and can rest their starters. Los Angeles Chargers one of those teams.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Monday that the quarterback Justin Herbert will not start in the regular season finale against Denver Broncos. This means that Trey Lance will make his first start of the year. In addition to Herbert, Harbaugh said other starters with the “most bruises” and those in need of “the most treatment” also won't play.
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Tyler Sullivan
The Chargers are 11-5 and qualified for the wild card. They are currently ranked sixth in the AFC behind Houston Texans and ahead Buffalo Billsboth of which are also 11-5. The Chargers will play on the road this weekend regardless of the result Sunday in Denver, although the opponent has not yet been determined.
While the seeding implications for the Chargers are minor, the team's decision to take Herbert's spot is a notable development for the Broncos, who at 13-3 are currently the No. 1 seed in the AFC. To maintain that top spot and officially earn a valuable first-round bye, the Broncos need to beat the Chargers.
The Broncos share the same record with New England Patriots but own the tiebreaker in regular games. The Broncos were the first AFC team to make the playoffs this year, and now they may have the easiest path to success. Super Bowl LX at the conference.
