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Would the Los Angeles Chargers be in the AFC Championship If they made the playoffs?

By Sebastian Orellana

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers evades the tackle of Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots as he scores a touchdown during the first quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers evades the tackle of Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots as he scores a touchdown during the first quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Chargers win AFC West, take the Chiefs’ spot

KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 16: running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers stretches across the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 16: running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers stretches across the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

In this scenario, the Chargers manage to beat Kansas City in Week 15 and secure their spot in the playoffs without having to depend on anybody else.

This also proves to be a much more challenging matchup as they play the Patriots earlier in the playoffs. I really think L.A. will make short work of the Titans and advance quickly to a showdown pitting the two veteran gunslingers in the divisional round. With a 21-13 loss in their first meeting, the Chargers really only lost due to their own mistakes as the defense held the Pats to only one touchdown and four field goals.

If they give Melvin Gordon more opportunities, he should have no problem running through the defense, much like he did in their first matchup (14 carries, 132 yards and 1 TD). With more touches, he will definitely take the air out of the ball and open up passing lanes for Allen and Antonio Gates. The only real advantage would be coaching where Bill Belichick will have the advantage over rookie head coach Lynn and that might prove to be a big factor. Although in 2010, rookie head coach Rex Ryan and the New York Jets were able to take the Patriots out in the first round with a rookie quarterback. So anything can happen.

The Chargers are a team of momentum and will carry that momentum as they play a rested Patriots team who is 4-2 being the number one seed. It will be a tough game but I think the Chargers can get the win if they play smart football and are able to capitalize on their opportunities.

So What’s the Consensus?

Both scenarios end with a matchup against the Patriots and as most Chargers fans know, Los Angeles has the talent and means to be the best team in the NFL, it is just how they execute. In the 16-week season, four of their seven losses could have been wins , but poor luck and bad kicking gave them a 9-7 season and the participation trophy in the AFC West.

If we look at the numbers, yes the Chargers would definitely be in the playoffs and would have a shot at the Super Bowl in the championship game, but if we look deeper, it is up in the air.

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