NFL Playoff Picture Week 16: San Diego Chargers’ Scenarios
Jake Roth – USA TODAY Sports
With the AFC West being clinched by the Denver Broncos last week, the last hope for the San Diego Chargers to make this year’s playoffs is to secure one of the AFC‘s two Wild Card spots. At 8-6 with two games in the season remaining, the Chargers will need to finish the season strong, but also get some help throughout the rest of the league if they want a chance at sliding their way into the postseason.
Within the AFC West, the Chargers are tied for second place with the Kansas City Chiefs at 8-6, and the two teams will meet in Week 17 in a game that will likely decide the playoff fate of both teams. The Chargers have been in the midst of a stumble recently as they’ve dropped two straight against some of the AFC’s best teams, losing to the New England Patriots in Week 14 and the Broncos in Week 15.
With two games remaining, on the road against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16 and on the road against the Chiefs to finish the season, the Chargers will likely have to win both if they want a chance, and they’ll also need outside assistance.
The Chargers have a chance to finish the season at 10-6, and they’re currently trying to chase down the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens (both 9-5) who currently have control of the fifth and sixth seeds, respectively. The Steelers will clinch a playoff berth with a win against the Chiefs in Week 16 in a game, which is essentially a lose-lose in terms of the Chargers’ playoff hopes. The Ravens will clinch with a win and a loss by both the Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Chances are slim that the Chargers will make the playoffs. Their recent stumble, despite being against some of football’s best teams, may be what dooms them. They no longer control their own destiny, but a 10-win season and some outside help could be enough to put them into the postseason.
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