Justin Herbert and various other LA Chargers starters are sitting in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos. With nothing but playoff seeding on the line, the Chargers opted against the risk of a key player getting hurt in Denver circa Mike Williams.
Ironically, this strategy puts the Chargers in position for the best possible path in the NFL Playoffs. Typically teams jockey for the highest seed in the playoffs, but it's the No. 7 seed that should intrigue the Chargers.
The New England Patriots will almost certainly be the No. 2 seed, setting up a Wild-Card round matchup with the No. 7 seed. Then, if the Chargers could get past the Pats, they'd play a familiar division rival in the Denver Broncos in a winnable road game.
It's the path of least resistance, even if it's still difficult, to make the Super Bowl. There was just one problem for most of the week: the Buffalo Bills. With nothing to play for in Week 18 as well, there were legitimate concerns the Bills would rest everyone in Week 18 to accomplish the same feat.
Luckily, that doesn't seem to be the case. Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Josh Allen is good to go on Sunday in what will be Buffalo's last regular-season game at Highmark Stadium.
Bills' stadium farewell may help the Chargers get the No. 7 seed
Buffalo will open its new stadium in time for the 2026 season, ending a beloved 52-year run at the current Highmark Stadium. It's going to be an emotional Sunday for Bills fans, one that may prompt the franchise quarterback to actually play (even in a limited capacity).
There's also the added motivation to not lose the last potential home game at this beloved stadium. It may not make a difference in the team making the playoffs, but it's still a source of motivation for the team.
Plus, the Bills can increase their chances of playing a home game by beating the New York Jets on Sunday. If Houston and Buffalo wins, the Bills will become the No. 5 seed. From there, Buffalo would need either Houston or the Chargers to make the AFC Championship to have a home playoff game.
With the No. 7 seed, it's clearly possible for the Bolts to grant that wish. With the Texans' defense, that is also possible.
Plus, above all else, it's the New York Jets. The Jets actively benefit from losing football games, so even one drive for Allen might be enough to swing the outcome.