Week 16: LA Chargers defeat Denver Broncos
I think everything that was already written about this matchup can just be regurgitated for the second time that these two teams square off. The LA Chargers will be hosting this game and with more to play for will escape with the victory.
At this point I expect the Broncos to be in the 4-10 range looking to get to the offseason healthy and to improve their draft capital. If everyone is banged up around him I would not be surprised to see Denver operate with an abundance of caution with Drew Lock as well.
The Chargers move to 8-7 on the season and potentially put themselves in a position to make the playoffs, needing a win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Week 17: LA Chargers lose to the Kansas City Chiefs
I know, I know, I am being a negative Nancy. But, at the end of the day, we need to shield ourselves from expecting too much. Us, as Charger fans, witness heartbreaking loss after heartbreaking loss but still expect things to turn around.
Yes, the Chargers played the Chiefs really well in Week 2 and yes, there is a chance that Kansas City is resting their starters in this game. However, two things are also true: it is really hard to beat a great team twice and the new playoff format means the Chiefs probably will be playing their starters.
Only one team gets a first-round bye in each conference in the NFL Playoffs now and the Chiefs are probably going to have to win this game to ensure that they get that bye. If this was any other year then they might rest their guys. This year, they are going to have to play.
And while the Chargers did great last time the Chiefs are going to make their adjustments, watch the tape from the first matchup and win this game. They are the better team, after all.
That leaves the Bolts with an 8-8 record, which probably won’t be good enough to make the playoffs, even with the expanded format. There are too many teams in the hunt for 8-8 to be good enough.