The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a brutal loss at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11: one that might very well indicate the end of any hopes they had of being Super Bowl contenders this season. As painful as it is, it must be acknowledged that, after seeing the Chargers now bottom out twice against AFC South teams, this season's ceiling is likely capped at a singular playoff win.
Yet, given the injuries that the team has suffered and the current state of their offensive line, it would be an impressive feat for them to even reach the playoffs.
With the upcoming combination of their bye week and a home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, they may have the perfect opportunity to right the ship and make their final push.
If you've watched the Chargers this season, you know that things are more bleak than their record might indicate. Yet, a potential 8-4 record with a well-rested team exiting Week 13 is by no means the worst position a team can be in.
Chargers have a fortunately scheduled break in a season where not many things have gone their way
It's probably not worth the time or energy to re-hash the Chargers' lengthy injury history this season, but, suffice to say, it's rough. With the lack of protection coming from his offensive line, Justin Herbert is clearly banged up, and, given the rapid changes that have come upon the personnel on the offensive of the ball, coordinator Greg Roman has struggled to find a groove in which to operate.
This was all on full display in their loss to Jacksonville, and, now, the team could not be getting a more fortunate time to rest and recuperate as they prepare for a tough slate to end the season.
After the Raiders, they will face the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans and Broncos. Four of those five teams have excellent pass rushes, which could spell serious trouble for Los Angeles.
Yet, the Chargers defeated Las Vegas, 34-20, in Week 3 of the season, and, since that time, things have only gone rapidly downhill for the Raiders. They are currently 2-8 and are set to play a Cleveland Browns defense in Week 12 that has been bruising opposing teams this entire season.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, will face off against the Indianapolis Colts (who are coming off of their bye) in Week 12 only to turn around on short rest and face the Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
While Kansas City is 5-5, they are among the teams who pose the biggest threat to the Chargers' place in the Wild Card, and this tough stretch has the potential to eliminate them from contention entirely.
Therefore, although Los Angeles has a tough road ahead as they vie for a playoff spot, there are a number of fortuitously positioned factors that will, hopefully, give them the space and time they need to ultimately pull it off.