The Chargers are currently sixth in the AFC to make the Super Bowl according to ESPN’s Football Power Index at 9.1 percent.
A reason for optimism heading into the playoffs? The franchise quarterback, of course.
Herbert has put together one of the best seasons of his career, navigating attrition on the Bolts offense while also dealing with some of his own.
He’s been a difference-maker all year, and has a chance to continue being so heading into the playoffs.
ESPN’s Kris Rhim wrote that Herbert is the Bolts biggest reason for hope for a potential deep playoff run.
The Chargers’ recipe this season has been simple: rely on an elite defense and a few magical plays from their quarterback each game. Playing behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines, Herbert has made plays with defenders draped over him and scrambled for a career-high 498 rushing yards to keep this team afloat. He’ll attempt to continue doing just that to lead a playoff run — all while nursing a fractured left hand.
The Athletic’s NFL Projection Model has the Bolts slightly lower to win the AFC at a 4.8 percent chance, with a 2.4 percent chance to win the Super Bowl.
Even with that, the Chargers have a chance to be a threat in January, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
The Chargers were quietly one of the more consistent teams in the league this season. If they didn’t falter in Week 17 against the Houston Texans, the Chargers would’ve played the Broncos for the AFC West title in Week 18. But without that on the table, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh rested quarterback Justin Herbert and some key players in the regular-season finale.
Herbert had an outstanding season and should make a dent in the MVP voting. And quite frankly, he needed to be great without his top-flight starting tackles. Herbert was sacked 54 times, one shy of the league high.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, a head coaching candidate, has led a solid unit in two seasons on the job. They’re in the top eight in points, total yards, rushing yards and passing yards allowed, so it won’t be easy for Maye and Co. to put up points this weekend.
The Chargers and Patriots will play on NBC’s *Sunday Night Football* with kickoff at 5 p.m. (PT).
