Chargers rest players in loss to Denver to prepare for playoffs
DENVER (KYMA) - The Los Angeles Chargers entered Week 18 having already secured a place in the postseason, though their final seeding in the AFC remained undecided.
With the priority placed on long-term health and readiness for the playoffs, the organization chose to rest several key contributors in the regular-season finale.
As a result, the Chargers took the field without Justin Herbert, Omarion Hampton, and Derwin James, who were all healthy scratches.
The absence of Herbert gave Trey Lance an opportunity to lead the offense, but he did not get off to a hot start. Early in the game, Ja'Quan McMillan intercepted a pass that bounced off of KeAndre Lambert-Smith's hands and returned it for a touchdown, helping Denver build a 10-0 advantage.
Offensively, the Chargers struggled to find rhythm, though they were able to get on the scoreboard with a field goal before halftime to trim the deficit to one possession.
The woes continued into the second half, with limited production out of Lance. Denver extended its lead with another field goal to make it 19-3, a score that held through the final whistle.
The loss closed the regular season with the Chargers finishing 11-6. Combined with a Buffalo victory, the result dropped the Chargers to the seventh seed in the AFC playoff standings.
That positioning means the team will play on the road for the duration of its postseason run. The Chargers will open the playoffs with a Wild Card matchup in Foxborough against the New England Patriots.
