The New England Patriots are heading into Week 18 with a chance to get the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which comes with a first-round playoff bye.
To do that, though, they'd need the Denver Broncos to lose. The Broncos are playing the Chargers. And the Chargers aren't exactly going for it.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday that his star QB, Justin Herbert, won't start in Week 18.
That sets the Broncos up to win and take the No. 1 seed, leaving the Patriots at best as No. 2 after a matchup with the Dolphins.
It also could send the Pats and Chargers to a first-round matchup, although that's far from guaranteed.
This is bad news for the Patriots on two fronts:
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 29, 2025
1. Means the Broncos likely win and seal the No. 1 seed.
2. This likely sets up Pats-Chargers in the first round with the Chargers well rested. Https://t.co/IgCYBXqZes
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The Chargers are sitting Herbert because the AFC West race is over.
They've decided that a spot up or down in the wild card positioning isn't as worth it to them relative to keeping Herbert healthy.
That makes sense. It means Trey Lance will start at QB for the Chargers in Week 18.
The Patriots will be rooting for Lance to pull off an upset.
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