Chargers’ update doesn’t bode well for Patriots’ No. 1 seed chances – NBC Boston

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The New England Patriots can earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed subsequent Sunday, however they’re going to need assistance.

Along with a win over the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots want the Los Angeles Chargers to take down the top-seed Denver Broncos on the highway. L.A. handed Denver one in every of its three losses earlier this season, however Sunday’s recreation will probably be an uphill battle.

On Monday, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh introduced that quarterback Justin Herbert will not start in Denver. As a substitute, it will be Trey Lance underneath middle for a Los Angeles squad that already clinched a playoff spot.

Harbaugh added that different starters “with probably the most bruises” also will not play within the regular-season finale. Clearly, these developments make the Chargers an excellent heavier underdog in opposition to the 13-3 Broncos and their vaunted protection.

Whereas a first-round bye could be excellent, incomes the No. 2 seed would not essentially be a nasty factor for the Patriots.

If the Pats beat the Dolphins, the Broncos defeat the Chargers, and the Buffalo Payments maintain enterprise in opposition to the lowly New York Jets, New England will meet No. 7 seed L.A. within the wild-card spherical. The Chargers are arguably the easiest possible wild-card matchup for the Patriots, and so they have only one playoff win since 2013.

The Texans, Jaguars, and Payments are the Patriots’ different potential wild-card opponents. Here is every attainable situation for New England heading into Week 18:

First-round bye

Patriots win vs. Dolphins, Chargers win vs. Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers

Patriots win vs. Dolphins, Broncos win vs. Chargers, Payments win vs. Jets
Patriots lose vs. Dolphins, Broncos win vs. Chargers, Payments win vs. Jets, Titans win vs. Jaguars, Texans win vs. Colts

Buffalo Payments

Patriots win vs. Dolphins, Broncos win vs. Chargers, Jets win vs. Payments
Patriots lose vs. Dolphins, Broncos win vs. Chargers, Payments win vs. Jets, Jaguars win vs. Titans, Texans win vs. Colts

Houston Texans

Patriots lose vs. Dolphins, Colts win vs. Texans, Broncos win vs. Chargers, Jaguars win vs. Titans, Payments win vs. Jets
Patriots lose vs. Dolphins, Chargers win vs. Broncos, Payments win vs. Jets, Titans win vs. Jaguars, Colts win vs. Texans