Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. (Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)
The Chargers clinched the playoffs for the first time in Justin Herbert’s career which means the AFC playoff picture is tightening up.
Monday Night Football gave the Chargers the chance to clinch with a win over the already-eliminated Colts and they didn’t waste it, notching their third win in a row to ensure a place in the playoffs.
Quarterback Justin Herbert earned the right to make his first playoff appearance by completing 24-of-31 passes for 235 yards. Austin Ekeler punched in two touchdowns on the ground as LA’s defense forced three interceptions out of Nick Foles.
Now the Chargers can focus on seeding with games coming up against the Rams and Broncos.
Meanwhile, there are still plenty of teams vying for the final playoff spots in the AFC.
AFC playoff standings after Chargers beat the Colts
- Buffalo Bills (12-3) -z
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-3) -z
- Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) -x
- Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)
- Baltimore Ravens (10-5) -x
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) -x
- Miami Dolphins (8-7)
Left out:
- New England Patriots (7-8)
- New York Jets (7-8)
- Tennessee Titans (7-8)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
- Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)
With the Chargers locked into the playoffs, there are only two open spots remaining and there are no less than six teams hoping to occupy them.
The Jaguars or Titans can get in by winning the AFC South but one of them will have to beat out the Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, Titans, Steelers and Raiders for the final wild card place.
Right now, the Dolphins have the edge, but they could be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when they take on the Patriots on Sunday. Tagovailoa is once again in concussion protocol and some in the NFL are calling for him to sit out the rest of the campaign because of it.
That injury development could be the opening New England and the rest need but there remain a million scenarios in the AFC playoff picture still to work out.
