Tag: Chargers playoffs

Watch: Chargers’ Brandon Staley gives game ball to Dean Spanos

Following the Chargers’ victory over the Colts, Brandon Staley didn’t give the game ball to one of the players or coaches.

Following the Chargers’ playoff-clinching victory over the Colts, head coach Brandon Staley did not give the game ball to one of the players or coaches.

Instead, he gave it to owner Dean Spanos.

“I’ve got one game ball here,” Staley said in his post-game speech in the locker room. “We’re a team run by a family. None of us would be here if it weren’t for a special someone.

“I’ve been hoping to give him a game ball since I got here. I’ve been hoping,” Staley added. ‘He’s been patient. He’s invested in this team. He’s brought all of us together. Look around, guys; we’re all here because of him. Game ball…playoff appearance…Dean Spanos.”

Spanos did not say much, adding how proud he is of the team and wants them to end the season on a high note ahead of the playoffs.

The Chargers will be heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This marks Staley and quarterback Justin Herbert’s postseason debut.

Win-and-in: Chargers will clinch playoff berth with victory over Colts

The Chargers have not made the playoffs since 2018. 

There are still three weeks remaining in the regular season, but the Chargers can punch their ticket to the playoffs in Week 16.

Los Angeles must defeat the Colts on Monday night for that to happen.

The Bolts found themselves in this win-and-in situation after the Jets, Patriots and Raiders all lost their perspective games this past week.

L.A. is currently sitting with a 92% chance of making the playoffs. If they lose to Indianapolis, their chances drop to 86%.

The Chargers have not made the playoffs since 2018.

Should Los Angeles win and get into the playoffs, it would then play to determine seeding. As of now, the Bolts are the sixth seed, but they have a chance to get the fifth seed.

Poll: Predict Chargers’ 2022 record after final five games

What will the Chargers’ record be after the final five games of the 2022 regular season?

Had the Chargers defeated the Raiders this past Sunday, they would have moved up two spots to the seventh seed after the Patriots lost to the Bills and the Vikings beat the Jets.

However, the loss to Las Vegas kept Los Angeles the ninth seed in the AFC. New England, who has the same record, wins the team breaker because it is a game up in conference record.

L.A. has a 30% chance of making the playoffs, down from 50% heading into Week 13, according to Five Thirty-Eight’s model. The Patriots have a 25% chance, and the Jets have a 48% chance.

The Chargers have back-to-back matchups with two tough teams, the Dolphins this week and the Titans next week, both at home.

Los Angeles has been one of the most injured teams in the league.

It’s been without many players, including Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, and J.C. Jackson, and players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Corey Linsley have missed multiple games.

But it goes beyond that.

Justin Herbert is playing at a high level. But the offensive scheme and play-calling are doing him no favors.

On the other side of the ball, Brandon Staley’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league. The personnel issues are a factor, but it is still not ideal for someone touted as a defensive guru.

With only five games remaining, and the next two being against two of the best teams in the conference, the Chargers face an uphill climb to make the playoffs. Will they do it? Is it too little too late?

Predict Los Angeles’ final record below.

[crowdsignal poll=11257879]

6 key things to know about Chargers’ Week 18 opponent: Raiders

Highlighting important things to know about the Chargers’ opponent ahead of the Week 18 matchup.

The Chargers and Raiders are set to meet at Allegiant Stadium in a do-or-die affair, as the winner will earn a trip to the playoffs.

Here are six key things to know about Las Vegas ahead of the Week 18 bout.

One of the hottest teams

The Raiders are riding a three-game win streak, with victories coming over the Browns, Broncos, and Colts.

How they got here?

The Raiders have been carried by their defense. Amid the last three games, Las Vegas ranks first in total defense (218.7 yards per game), eighth in scoring (15.7 points per game), third in passing (142.3 ypg), and second in rushing (76.3 ypg).

Former Chargers playing vital roles

The defensive unit has benefited from the presence of Denzel Perryman and Casey Hayward. Perryman, who was named to his first Pro Bowl, has 145 tackles, five tackles for loss, three passes defended, and a forced fumble. On the other hand, Hayward has been beaten for just 298 total yards and one touchdown on 604 coverage snaps in 2021.

Below par offense

While Derek Carr has efficiently distributed the wealth, currently possessing the fourth-most passing yards (4,618), he has struggled to guide his unit in the end zone. As a result, the Raiders have only topped 23 points dating back to Oct. 25. Furthermore, their running game ranks fourth-worst in the NFL (90.2 ypg) and in the red zone, converting 50.91% of their trips.

Supposed to get top target back

One of the factors in the Raiders’ substandard offense is the absence of Darren Waller. Waller has missed the last five games due to back and knee injuries along with COVID-19, with his previous action coming on Thanksgiving. In 10 games, Waller has 53 receptions for 643 yards and two touchdowns.

Holding down the fort

While the Raiders offense has greatly missed Waller, it has immensely benefited from the presence of Hunter Renfrow. Arguably one of the slickest route-runners in the league, Renfrow recently topped the 1,000-yard mark (1,025), is one reception shy of 100, and has seven touchdowns to go along with it.

Chargers vs. Raiders flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’

When the Chargers play the Raiders next Sunday with a chance to play in the playoffs, they will do so in prime time.

When the Chargers play the Raiders next Sunday with a chance to play in the playoffs, they will do so in prime time.

The Week 18 matchup has been flexed from 1:25 pm PT to a 5:20 pm kickoff on “Sunday Night Football,” the NFL announced.

If Los Angeles wins, it will advance to the postseason since 2018. If Las Vegas wins, it will be its first trip to the playoffs since 2016.

Whichever team comes out on top will capture the No. 7 seed and likely face the presumed No. 2 seeded Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in a wild card matchup the following weekend.

The last time these two teams met earlier this season, the Chargers beat the Raiders, 28-14. The game was also a primetime matchup on “Monday Night Football.”

Everything we know about Chargers’ victory over Broncos

Highlighting everything notable from the Los Angeles Chargers’ victory over the Denver Broncos.

The Chargers defeated the Broncos, 34-13.

To recap Week 17, here is everything we know:

It was over when…

Andre Roberts took the kickoff to the house in the fourth quarter to put the stamp on the game.

Notable numbers of the game

Justin Herbert passed Philip Rivers for the Chargers franchise passing touchdown record (35).

The Broncos were held to 3.1 yards per carry.

The Chargers held the Broncos to just three conversions on 11 attempts.

The Chargers converted nine of their 15 attempts on third down.

Austin Ekeler and Justin Ekeler made up more than half of the Chargers’ total yards (173 of 341).

Quick takes

– Herbert took what was given to him, meaning the Broncos eliminated many options down the field. However, he was still efficient in the short-intermediate parts of the field.

– It helped that Herbert had clean pockets throughout the entire game. Still, he did a great job of going through progressions and finding & anticipating his open receivers, something he struggled with against Cover 2 defenses.

– It might’ve taken a while, but Ekeler and Jackson are hitting their stride on the field together. They were impactful catching the football just as much as they were on the ground.

– As I mentioned, Herbert had plenty of time to distribute the wealth, which all the credit goes to the offensive line for keeping him upright and paving the way in the run game.

– Trey Pipkins, who filled in for Storm Norton, had another excellent performance. The coaching staff has done a terrific job of developing him.

– Without Jared Cook or Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty got involved in the passing game, catching all of his three targets for 22 yards.

– After being gashed on the ground, the Chargers held the Broncos held in check in this department. The difference? Joey Bosa, Justin Jones, and Derwin James on the field.

– There were a couple of issues with the pass defense: Lack of pass rush and allowing too many yards after the catch due to poor tackling and angles to the football. Drew Lock finished 18-of-25 passing for 245 yards.

– Aside from that, the play in the secondary is a night and day difference when all the starters are on the field.

– The midseason addition of Andre Roberts has shown to pay dividends since Day 1, but he made a strong point to be re-signed after this season with his kick returns of 47 and 101 yards.

What’s next?

The Chargers take on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Winner is in the playoffs.

What they’re saying following Chargers’ loss to Texans

How does the general population see the Chargers following their loss to the Texans?

The Chargers were stunned by the Texans in Week 16, decimating a decent bit of their playoff chances.

Let’s see what analysts are saying about Los Angeles after their loss to Houston.

Hall of Famer Deion Sanders

“Whenever you’re all-in on the Chargers, they disappoint you.”

FS1’s Colin Cowherd 

“When I look at all those teams in the hunt, to me, the Chargers and the Dolphins have an identity. Chargers are a big risk, throw it over the top, I like their coach.”

CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones 

“It rivals the Cardinals’ loss to the Lions last week as the worst loss in the NFL this season. When you think about this, and really, you could argue it is the worst loss in the NFL season. The Chargers played last Thursday. So they don’t have Bosa and they don’t have Ekeler, but they had ten days of rest. They lost a close one to the Kansas City Chiefs. They went toe-to-toe with the team that I think is the best in the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs. They were a play or two away from winning that game.”

Radio personality Erik Kuselias

“You’re supposed to win this game. You needed it. I know you’re coming into a playoff spot off a big loss, emotional loss against the Chiefs, but you can’t check the box. I don’t care that Austin Ekeler is out with COVID or whatever, your quarterback is still there, your coach is still there. It’s Houston.”

Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager

“What the heck happened there from the Chargers? Ten days to prepare. They had that amazing game against the Chiefs where they came up just short. The Texans were down 20 players due to COVID. The Texans are playing for nothing but pride. The Texans have no playoffs and hopes, and they came in there and not only beat them but beat the snot out of them. You can say they were without Ekeler, without Mike Williams. A lot of teams were without a lot of players. Did not come ready for this one. Brandon Staley put it on him. I think it should be shared by the entire organization.”

Odd Shark’s Joe Osborne

“Can we take Brandon Staley out of the hall of fame now? Everyone fell in love with the guy because he’s well-spoken in press conferences and is aggressive on 4th down but the Chargers are no better off than when Anthony Lynn was running things.”

Here’s how the Chargers can clinch playoff berth

While the chances are much slimmer following the loss to the Texans, the playoffs are still within reach for the Chargers.

Heading into Week 16, the Chargers were in complete control of their playoff destiny. Win each of their three remaining games, and they’re in.

However, in the most unexpected manner, they lost to a Texans team that ranked near the bottom in nearly every statistical category and were without 16 active-roster players.

Now 8-7, Los Angeles can no longer determine its fate and must hope for outcomes of games to specific teams that are also in the playoff hunt.

According to ESPN’s Power Index, L.A. now has a 38.5% chance of making the playoffs after having a 77% chance a little over 24 hours ago.

To play beyond the regular season, here’s what must happen for the Chargers:

– Beat their final two opponents, the Broncos (7-8) and Raiders (8-7).

– The Ravens (8-7) lose at least one of their final two games: Rams (10-5) or Steelers (7-7-1).

* Baltimore owns the tiebreaker over Los Angeles based on head-to-head win percentage.

– The Dolphins (7-7) lose at least one of their final three games: Saints (7-7), Titans (10-5), or Patriots (10-5).

* Miami owns the tiebreaker over L.A. based on best win percentage in common games.

The playoffs are still well within reach, but if the Chargers can’t make any adjustments from yesterday’s game, no matter who’s on the field, the only thing that will be in sight for them is the offseason.

Chargers finish 8-8, make playoffs in ESPN’s 2020 simulation

The Los Angeles Chargers squeak into the playoffs in ESPN’s simulation of the entire 2020 season.

ESPN ran their annual simulation, where they predict every game of the upcoming regular season, including the postseason.

In the simulation, the Chargers finished with a 8-8 record, managing to still squeak into the playoffs due to the extra team being added.

Los Angeles finished second behind Kansas City Chiefs, who win the division with an 11-5 record.

The Broncos finished with the same record as the Bolts, but they barely missed out on the playoffs due to the tiebreaker rules.

The Bills clobber the Chargers in the Wild Card Round by the score of 30-10. Buffalo sees their run come to an end after losing to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

ESPN sees Kansas City repeat themselves as Super Bowl champions, taking out the Dallas Cowboys, 42-17.

Here’s how the simulation predicted the season would go for Los Angeles:

Week 1: BENGALS defeat Chargers, 26-17

Week 2: CHIEFS defeat Chargers, 34-13

Week 3: CHARGERS defeat Panthers, 22-16

Week 4: BUCCANEERS defeat Chargers, 27-16

Week 5: SAINTS defeat Chargers, 30-10

Week 6: JETS defeat Chargers, 26-10

Week 7: DOLPHINS defeat Chargers, 20-3

Week 8: CHARGERS defeat Jaguars, 19-9

Week 9: CHARGERS defeat Raiders, 33-28

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: CHARGERS defeat Broncos, 22-13

Week 12: CHARGERS defeat Bills, 34-6

Week 13: CHARGERS defeat Patriots, 30-21

Week 14: FALCONS defeat Chargers, 33-30

Week 15: CHARGERS defeat Raiders, 24-20

Week 16: BRONCOS defeat Chargers, 22-13

Week 17: CHARGERS defeat Chiefs, 35-28

NFL analyst makes bold prediction for Chargers 2020 season

Colleen Wolfe has high expectations for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.

The Chargers are hopeful that they can turn things around after a disastrous 2019 season, which resulted in a 5-11 record and last place in the AFC West.

NFL Media’s Colleen Wolfe believes that Los Angeles is capable of doing so. Wolfe was among the crop of analysts who gave their bold predictions for the upcoming season, and she thinks the Bolts will make a deep run playoff run in 2020.

“It’s the Chargers going on a deep playoff run with Tyrod Taylor,” Wolfe said. “Every year the Chargers Charger me out of this argument. But Tyrod finally gets his shot to lead a team. I know it’s going to be a run-heavy offense this year.

The offensive line wasn’t effective in pass-blocking, but they can run block with all the athleticism they have, especially with Mike Pouncey back healthy again and the upgrades they made in the offseason with the additions of Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner.

This will set up all of those big plays for Mike Williams and Hunter Henry. You know that Keenan Allen is going to be Tyrod’s guy. That defense is stacked. They have those studs returning, and you add Chris Harris, Linval Joseph and Kenneth Murray. Not to mention, the expanded playoff field.”

On paper, the Bolts have a stacked roster, like Wolfe mentioned. But it hasn’t been the level of talent as the reason why the team has produced a mixed bag of results the past few seasons. It’s been the injury bug that they can’t shake off and some coaching mishaps.

L.A. is capable of making some noise this upcoming season, especially with the players that are returning and the additions they made in free agency in the draft. When it comes to on-field performance, there are four factors that will ultimately make or break the Chargers in 2020.