EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers are on the brink of securing their AFC playoff positioning before their Saturday night showdown in Las Vegas.
Jim Harbaugh, the team’s coach, is maintaining a degree of secrecy regarding his decisions on whether to rest his key players. “We’re taking it one day at a time. As (safety) Derwin (James) mentioned, 11 wins are more appealing than 10,” Harbaugh stated on Monday.
Currently standing at a 10-6 record, the Chargers could elevate to the fifth seed if the Cincinnati Bengals defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. In that scenario, they would then face the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. However, if the Steelers secure a win, the Chargers will remain locked into the sixth seed, resulting in a confrontation with the AFC North champion, which could be a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens if they emerge victorious over the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore has opened as a significant favorite in that matchup, with a spread of 17.5 points according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Harbaugh, along with the Chargers organization, is hoping for a Bengals victory, making their Sunday finale against the Raiders consequential. “We’re aiming to move up,” he emphasized. “Securing the fifth seed would provide an opportunity for a home playoff game, even in the divisional round. That’s our focus and strategy — to win. This mindset has been consistent from the start.”
Reflecting on his coaching tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh recalls instances in 2011, 2012, and 2013 when the team had already clinched playoff spots yet still had critical games to play. In 2011, they required a win to earn a first-round bye. In 2012, a victory against the Arizona Cardinals secured the NFC West title, and the following year, they faced the same team, aiming to keep their division hopes alive.
Chargers supporters may remain anxious, recalling a troubling incident from two years ago. In that season’s finale against the Denver Broncos, Coach Brandon Staley opted to play his starters even though the team had already secured the fifth seed. Consequently, wide receiver Mike Williams sustained a back fracture late in the first half during a narrow 31-28 loss, sidelining him for their first-round playoff game against Jacksonville, where they notably squandered a 27-point lead to lose 31-30.
In last Saturday’s decisive 40-7 victory over New England, Harbaugh chose to insert backups, including quarterback Taylor Heinicke, for the bulk of the fourth quarter. However, when asked if Heinicke would receive more playing time this week, Harbaugh withheld a definitive answer.
One player confirmed to be unavailable is safety Elijah Molden, who fractured his fibula during the latter part of the Patriots game. Acquired from Tennessee at the end of August, Molden started in three games this season and ranked second on the squad with three interceptions.
Harbaugh mentioned the potential return of Alohi Gilman, who is currently on injured reserve. There is a likelihood that his window for a return to play could open this week. Gilman has started in 10 games but has been sidelined for the last five due to a hamstring injury.
