EL SEGUNDO, Calif.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Chargers keep stacking wins — and now the postseason is within arm’s reach.
Los Angeles enters Week 16 having won six of its last seven games and sitting at 10-4, one victory away from clinching a playoff berth. The Bolts travel to AT&T Stadium on Sunday morning to face the Dallas Cowboys (6-7) with multiple clinching scenarios in play.
A Chargers win paired with either a Houston loss to the Raiders or an Indianapolis loss to San Francisco would officially lock up a playoff spot. Take care of business in Dallas, and the math becomes simple.
AFC West Dominance Continues
Last week’s thrilling win in Kansas City further cemented the Chargers’ control of the AFC West. Los Angeles is now a perfect 5-0 within the division, having already swept both the Raiders and Chiefs. One final trip to Denver in Week 18 stands between the Chargers and a clean divisional sweep.
For a team built on physicality and consistency, that divisional record may say as much as anything else about how this group has evolved under Jim Harbaugh.
Practice Report: Veterans Get Rest, Key Pieces Trending Up
The Chargers were light at practice early in the week, though much of it appears precautionary.
Did not practice:
- S R.J. Mickens
- WR Derius Davis
- OLB Khalil Mack
- WR Keenan Allen
Mack and Allen were given rest days, but Mickens’ (shoulder) situation appears more concerning.
“Could miss some time,” Harbaugh said of Mickens.
Limited participants:
- S Elijah Molden
- RT Trey Pipkins
There was positive news on the injury front as well. Quentin Johnston, who missed Sunday’s game with a groin injury, was back on the practice field.
Harbaugh also said he has not heard anything regarding a potential suspension for safety Tony Jefferson, who was ejected from Sunday’s game after a bad hit on an offensive player in the field.
Harbaugh kept it short and simple: “I haven’t heard anything.”
A Run-First Identity Since the Bye
Since the bye week, the Chargers’ offensive identity has become increasingly clear: physical, balanced, and relentless.
“It’s just always been a high emphasis,” Harbaugh said of the run game. “Like the way our offense is playing football right now.”
Harbaugh didn’t shy away from comparisons, either.
“The last two games, the Chiefs and Eagles would’ve loved to have our offensive production in those two games.”
He doubled down on the point when discussing Los Angeles’ recent performances against elite defenses.
“Don’t you think the Eagles would’ve rather had our offensive production or theirs? The Chiefs — ours or theirs. And against two really good defenses. Winning football.”
Herbert and the Interceptions
Statistically, this season hasn’t been clean for Herbert. He’s already thrown a career-high 12 interceptions after tossing just three all of last season. Many have come off tipped or batted balls, but the numbers are still there.
Harbaugh’s message to his quarterback? Don’t flinch.
“Keep attacking. Keep letting it rip,” Harbaugh said, before launching into a golf analogy. “If you were Tiger Woods, and you hit one in the water, take another one out of your pocket, put it on the ground and let it rip.”
Harbaugh even mimicked a golf swing at the podium — a reminder that confidence, not caution, is the priority.
Matlock’s Unique Role
One of the more intriguing developments this season has been Scott Matlock’s evolution from defensive tackle to fullback/tight end hybrid. It’s not a common transition, and Harbaugh leaned on some familiar help to make it work.
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Los Angeles fullback Scott Matlock (44) spikes the ball after a touchdown against Tennessee during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025
During training camp in August, Harbaugh’s father, Jack Harbaugh, spent time with Matlock, offering tips on movement blocks during a practice session.
“Defensive tackle transitioning to NFL TE/FB is a big leap,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s done a great job. He really gives our team a physicality when you have a fullback that’s 300 pounds that can also catch passes in the flat.”
Herbert talked about Scott Matlock after practice on Wednesday.
"Scott has done such a great job...I think he's severely underrated as an athlete and what he's able to do with the ball."
It’s a small detail, but one that fits the identity this Chargers team is building — physical, adaptable, and comfortable winning in different ways.
At 10–4, with momentum, divisional dominance, and a clear path to the postseason, the Chargers control their own destiny. Sunday in Dallas is the next test, and one more win could turn a strong regular season into something much bigger.
Category: General Sports
