The Broncos have caught a massive break in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed.
The Denver Broncos have caught a massive break in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed.
They won't have to face Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert in their season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday that Herbert will rest for Sunday's game against the Broncos. Backup quarterback Trey Lance will start instead.
Herbert has played with a fracture in his non-throwing hand since Week 13 against the Raiders. The injury required surgery, but he's not missed any of the Chargers' four games since sustaining it against Las Vegas.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have plenty to play for on Sunday. They've clinched the AFC West title. But with a win on Sunday, they'll secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the conference's lone first-round playoff bye that comes with it. And the AFC playoffs would run through Denver.
Tough break for Patriots, Jaguars
Herbert resting is clearly great news for the Broncos. And it's bad news for Patriots and Jaguars teams that are still in play for the No. 1 seed. But neither of them can get there if the Broncos win on Sunday. The 13-3 Broncos hold the tiebreaker over the 13-3 Patriots, and they're a game ahead of the 12-4 Jaguars.
The Chargers have clinched a wild-card berth, but their seeding is not settled. They can finish anywhere from the No. 5 to No. 7 seed in the AFC, but they are guaranteed to start the postseason as a wild-card team on the road.
The No. 7 seed would mean starting the playoffs on the road against the No. 2 seed and playing the highest remaining seed the rest of the way as along as they advanced. It would be a tough path.
But the Chargers have prioritized Herbert's health and recovery over any seeding implications with one week remaining in the regular season.
Category: General Sports
