Chargers Playoff Photos: Los Angeles Seeding Scenario Analysis in the 2023 NFL Bracket

The AFC West wasn’t as strong as many prophets predicted during the 2022 NFL season.

Los Angeles was expected to challenge Kansas City for the division crown in Justin Herbert’s third season. Instead, injuries to stars on both sides of the ball prevented the Chargers from making any real push to the top of the West.

Details: Updated Week 18 NFL Standings, Playoff Photos

However, the Chargers still put together a strong season. They’re recording his double-digit wins, starting to heat up at the right time, and starting to get healthy. They’ve already qualified for the playoffs, and we’ll see how far they can go with a loaded AFC.

The only question is what the Chargers’ road to the Super Bowl will look like.

MORE: 2023 NFL Playoff Bracket Predictions Entering Week 18

Los Angeles still doesn’t know who they’ll face in the first round of the 2023 NFL Postseason. That said, teams know he will have to play away as he can only get one of his two seeds in the playoffs bracket (5th seed or 6th seed). .

How will the Chargers take each in Week 18, and who will they face in the Super Wild Card Weekend? Below is a breakdown of the seeding scenarios.

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How the Chargers get the 5th seed in the AFC

The Chargers are currently the No. 5 seed in the AFC and have an inside track to get there. They’re primarily battling the Ravens for the top wildcard spot, but a good conference game record gives Los Angeles the edge.

Here’s how the Chargers secure the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

• charger win OR
• Chargers Tie AND Ravens Tie OR
• Ravens lose

The Chargers initially faced several scenarios that could have dropped them from the No. 5 seed to the No. 6 seed, but the cancellation of the Week 17 game between the Bills and the Bengals led to the on-field cardiac arrest of Dummer Hamlin. caused them to lose. of the equation. Cincinnati won AFC North when that game was ruled no contest.

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How the Chargers get the 6th seed in the AFC

The Chargers’ path to the AFC’s sixth seed is much simpler. If they lose and the Ravens win, Baltimore will pass them in the wild card race. That’s the only way they don’t end up with the No. 5 seed.

Again, the Chargers could have dropped to the No. 6 seed had the Bengals-Bills game been completed, but when it was ruled a no-contest, the Chargers decided their fate. is now in full control.

Potential Chargers Playoff Matchups

The Chargers have several potential playoff matchups, depending on the seeding the team receives.

If the Chargers secure the 5th seed, they will face either the AFC South winners, the Titans or the Jaguars. Los Angeles beat Tennessee 17-14 in Week 15, but lost to Jacksonville 38-10 in Week 3.

On paper, Tennessee would be a good matchup. Because the Titans have a holey secondary and starting third at quarterback his stringer Josh his Dobbs. That said, Derrick Henry will arguably test the weakest part of the team: Los Angeles’ run defense.

Given that Jacksonville’s offense has become more explosive in recent weeks, the Jaguars will have a tougher matchup. Still, the Chargers have a good chance of winning and will certainly do better than they did in their big loss to the Jaguars in Week 3. t.

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With the No. 6 seed, the Chargers’ path will clearly be tougher as they face either the Bills or the Bengals in the wildcard round. Both opponents have strong offenses that can test the Chargers’ defense, and each can put pressure on Herbert.

With that in mind, expect the Chargers to fight hard for the 5th seed.