Why Chargers are starting Trey Lance at QB with Justin Herbert not playing in Week 18 playoff scenarios

Billy Heyen

Why Chargers are starting Trey Lance at QB with Justin Herbert not playing in Week 18 playoff scenarios image

The Los Angeles Chargers could move a spot one way or the other in the AFC playoff seeding on Sunday in Week 18.

They don't seem too bothered.

Justin Herbert won't be playing quarterback for the Chargers against the Broncos.

Instead, backup QB Trey Lance gets the start against Denver, which will be the AFC's No. 1 seed with a win.

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Why is Trey Lance playing QB for Chargers, not Justin Herbert?

The Chargers have chosen to ensure Herbert is healthy for the playoffs.

They could end up the 5-seed, 6-seed or 7-seed in the AFC.

If the Texans, Chargers and Bills all win Sunday, L.A. Is the 6-seed. If Houston lost and L.A. Won, the Chargers would be the 5-seed (and play the AFC North champ, either Pittsburgh or Baltimore).

If the Chargers lose and those other two teams win, it's the 7-seed for L.A.

They'll be going on the road in the first week of the postseason regardless, and head coach Jim Harbaugh has opted to keep Herbert off the field against the fierce Denver pass rush and ensure that he's available in a week's time.

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Contributing Writer