The Denver Broncos need to beat the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in order to secure the #1 seed and homefield advantage in the playoffs. Their path to doing that just got easier.
Denver Broncos will face Trey Lance, not Justin Herbert on Sunday
The Los Angeles Chargers will not be starting Justin Herbert when they face off against the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that on Monday morning, after Los Angeles lost to the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Herbert, despite the patchwork offensive line around him, has been one of the best QBs in the NFL this season while being sacked 54 times in 2025. On top of that, he’s banged up and continues to take shot after shot.
Harbaugh is giving his star quarterback rest on Sunday against the Denver Broncos and will start Trey Lance in his place.
Herbert is ideally the only key starter that won’t play for them on Sunday, so Denver will still have to prepare for Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Omarion Hampton, and Oronde Gadson II. Even if Herbert doesn’t play, Payton and the Broncos will still approach the game plan as if he does play.
Denver’s reality is simple — win and get the #1 seed and homefield advantage. If they lose, they’ll host a Wildcard matchup.
The Chargers’ reality leads to them going on the road regardless. They’ll either face the Jacksonville Jaguars or the New England Patriots if Denver wins on Sunday.
The path to the Super Bowl is one step away from coming through the Mile High City.
Denver Broncos path to #1 seed in AFC Playoffs just got easier Mile High Sports.
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