Justin Herbert and the Chargers elite defense helped down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs on the road in Week 16.
The Chargers won their fourth consecutive game following their bye and have now won seven of their last eight. They’re peaking at the right time just ahead of matchups against the Texans and the Broncos to finish out the regular season.
With the 49ers beating the Colts on Monday night, the Chargers also clinched their spot in the postseason. However, if they win out from here, they would actually win the AFC West and earn a top seed in this year’s playoffs. If they lose out, they’d likely land in the seventh seed. Splitting the final two games of the year would likely earn them the fifth seed.
Either way. the Bolts will be playing at least one extra game this year. Here’s to hoping it goes better than it did this past January.
With that said, let’s go ahead and see where they landed amongst the rankings this week.
ESPN – #9
If not for injury, this honor likely would have gone to running back Omarion Hampton. Instead, it goes to Harris, who has emerged as a surprisingly impactful run blocker who made several big plays in the passing game recently. The latest came in a win over the Chiefs in Week 15, when Harris hauled in a 37-yard reception that set up a momentum-shifting touchdown just before halftime. “This is a guy who played three positions in the last game with zero mental errors,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “That’s a testament to him, and it bodes very well for his future.” – Kris Rhim
New York Post – #9
‘‘After surrendering touchdowns on their first two defensive series, the Chargers tightened things up and ended the Cowboys’ hopes of winning a shootout by allowing just three more points the rest of the way in a 34-17 victory. Justin Herbert tossed two touchdown passes – including a perfectly thrown ball to Quentin Johnston – and ran for a touchdown.‘’ – Ryan Dunleavy
Sporting News – #9
“The Chargers went into Dallas and used it for a get-well offensive game with more juice from their defense, too. Justin Herbert needed that and so did Jim Harbaugh.” – Vinnie Iyer
Pro Football Talk -#10
“Justin Herbert is playing better than ever.” – Mike Florio
Yahoo Sports – #10
‘‘The Broncos’ loss to the Jaguars on Sunday was huge for Los Angeles. The Chargers are just a game behind the Broncos in the AFC West race, and if they beat the Texans on Saturday (or Denver loses to Kansas City on Thursday), a Week 18 game at Denver will be for the division title. The Chargers already have a win over Denver and a win in the finale would give them a season sweep and the tiebreaker. There’s even a small path for the Chargers to get the No. 1 seed. Week 16 was really good for the Chargers.” – Frank Schwab
CBS Sports – #11
“They have righted their season after the blowout loss to the Jaguars five weeks ago. The defense has really stepped it up, but their maligned offensive line was good against Dallas, which is huge for the playoffs.” – Pete Prisco
Bleacher Report – #11
“The Los Angeles Chargers are chasing the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title, and the two teams will meet in the final week of the season. First, the Chargers host the Houston Texans in their home season finale.”
“Despite an injury-riddled offensive line, quarterback Justin Herbert is doing enough with his arm and legs to keep the offense steady and productive. This past Sunday, Los Angeles lost fill-in left tackle Jamaree Salyer to a hamstring injury, which could be troublesome in a matchup against the Texans’ top-ranked defense.”
“Still, the Chargers, banged-up and bruised, are one of the AFC’s best with a shot at a division title.” – Maurice Moton
Category: General Sports
