The Los Angeles Chargers, predictably, lost to the Denver Broncos in Week 18, 3-19. In many ways, this result has been expected since Jim Harbaugh announced the team would be resting a decent portion of their starters for the matchup.
The Broncos were playing for the one seed, and by all indication, it seemed as though the seventh seed would be the Chargers' best route to a playoff victory. Denver had a rather decisive victory, yet in the process, they proved why Los Angeles has earned has now earned prime position for a deep playoff run.
If the best the Broncos could do against the Chargers' second-string defense was 19 points and just 124 total passing yards, they are not to be feared in a potential playoff matchup. With the New England Patriots looming in the first round, Los Angeles's path to the AFC Championship Game has never been clearer.
Week 18 creates doubt for the Broncos' status as Super Bowl contenders, clearing a path for the Chargers
To be clear, the Broncos are wholly deserving of the first seed in the AFC. Their defense has been absolutely dominant this season, and Bo Nix has taken strides forward in his second season in the NFL.
At the same time, however, their offense has also been distinctly underwhelming over the course of the season.
Heading into Week 18, Denver was ninth in the league in total yards but were 19th in the percentage of their drives that ended in offensive scores. They were 15th in total passing touchdowns and 11th in rushing touchdowns.
They have moved the ball well methodically all season, but they have struggled to convert in the red-zone and have often failed to look like a Super Bowl-contending offense.
Any chance they have in the playoffs rests on their offense being just good enough to complement their stifling defense, and there should be concerns about that after this week's results.
Los Angeles meanwhile, now has a favorable matchup against New England lined up for next week. The Patriots have a lackluster pass rush, which will limit their ability to capitalize upon Los Angeles's greatest weakness.
They have also struggled with their run defense in the absence of Milton Williams, opening up a major opportunity for Los Angeles to control the game on the ground.
If they are able to come away with a victory next week, they would be set to play the Broncos. Although the Chargers have certainly had their offensive struggles this season, Denver would clearly present an opportunity for them to turn the game into a defensive slugfest.
While they would not have the clear advantage in such a matchup, it would allow for a game script that could easily go in their favor.
The Broncos, therefore, gave the Chargers a two-fold gift in Week 18.