RSS Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

LA Chargers playoff picture: What Week 15 vs. Chiefs means for AFC standings

The biggest shakeup in the AFC on Sunday was not about which teams will be making the postseason, but about one specific team that won’t. Thanks to the Chargers and their 16-13 win over the Chiefs, Kansas City has been eliminated from postseason contention.

The Broncos play the Packers in the late afternoon window, but no matter what happens there, they’ll stay at the top of the division and the AFC standings after Sunday’s games are done.

AFC West standings​

1. Denver Broncos, 11-2
2. Los Angeles Chargers 10-4
3. Kansas City Chiefs 6-8
4. Las Vegas Raiders 2-12

Updated AFC playoff picture​

1. Denver Broncos 11-2
2. New England Patriots 11-3
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6
5. Buffalo Bills 10-4
6. Los Angeles Chargers 10-4
7. Houston Texans 9-5
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-5
9. Baltimore Ravens 7-7
10. Miami Dolphins 6-7

Eliminated from AFC playoff contention​

• Kansas City Chiefs
• Cincinnati Bengals
• New York Jets
• Cleveland Browns
• Tennessee Titans
• Las Vegas Raiders

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...5-afc-standings-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Victory Monday open thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five takeaways from the Chargers’ sweep of the Chiefs (Chargers.com)

Here’s how Derwin James sealed the Chargers’ “poetic” victory over the Chiefs (Chargers.com)

Check out the Chargers’ current playoff odds after beating the Chiefs (Chargers Wire)

Jim Harbaugh defended Tony Jefferson after his polarizing ejection from Sunday’s game (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in their loss to the Chargers (ESPN)

J.J. McCarthy did a dance — against KOC’s wishes — before crossing the line on his bootleg touchdown (ESPN)

Micah Parsons is feared to have torn his ACL in the Packers’ loss to the Broncos (CBS Sports)

What we learned from Sunday’s slate of games in the NFL (NFL.com)

D.J. Moore was happy about finally having a two-touchdown game this week (Pro Football Talk)

The Lions no longer control their playoff destiny after latest loss to the Rams (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...argers-daily-links-victory-monday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

4 winners, 1 big loser from Chargers-Chiefs: Youngsters balled out in gutsy win

The Chargers got big, big performances out of their young studs against the Chiefs.

Third-year pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu led the attack in Patrick Mahomes as the group finished with five sacks. Third-year linebacker Daiyan Henley picked off Mahomes in the red zone to keep points off the board.

It was also a pair of rookie wideouts that helped the offense get the most out of their shaky pass protection as both authored the two biggest receptions of the day while Herbert was getting knocked around in the pocket. Tre’ Harris somehow hauled in a perfect pass from Herbert for a 37-yard gain that then directly led to KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s first NFL touchdown several plays later.

Overall this was a huge game for not only these players, but the Chargers organization as a whole. For now at least, the Chiefs monkey is off their backs and it’s time to look ahead without that massive cloud hanging over their building.

With that said, let’s take a look at the Chargers’ winners and losers from this week’s win.

Winners​

WRs Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith

On a day where the offense looked about as dreadful as it has all season long, it was the Chargers’ two rookie wide receivers who made the biggest plays of the game against the Chiefs. Coincidentally, they both came on the same drive which led to the Chargers’ only touchdown of the game.

After getting beat up for the better part of the second half, Herbert took a snap on second-and-10 from their own 40-yard line. He once again had to maneuver a murky pocket and found just enough room to loft a pass towards a streaking Harris up the left sideline before he got walloped.

The ball somehow, someway, landed perfectly into Harris’ arms as he seemingly made the catch before rolling out of bounds. With the call on the field being a completion, the replays that may have shown the ball hitting the ground as he landed were not clear and sufficient enough to overturn, so the play stood.

Three plays later, Herbert once again got the ball off while avoiding pressure with a jump pass towards the back of the end zone. What looked like an ill-advised pass somehow traveled just fast enough to get to a leaping Lambert-Smith between two defenders. The score was KLS’ first professional touchdown and just his second reception of the year and it could not have come at a bigger moment.

As Herbert said in a postgame interview, Harris and KLS are going to make a lot of plays for this franchise in the years to come.

EDGEs Tuli Tuipulotu and Odafe Oweh

It was the Chargers pass rush that helped set the pace defensively on Sunday and no one was more impactful in the first half than the duo of Tuli and Oweh. By the end of the game, each of them had recorded two sacks and another tackle for loss.

For those keeping track at home, that makes 12 sacks for Tuipulotu this year (previous career high was eight in 2024) and seven sacks for Oweh, all of which have come since being traded to the Chargers from the Ravens (nine games).

The pass rush as been one of the pivotal factors of the defense’s recent surge for the Chargers and Tuli’s impact (seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss in the past seven games) cannot be understated.

Losers​

Pass Protection

What else is there to keep saying about this group? Each week together, regardless of if it’s a new combination or not, is not getting better. It was PAINFUL to watch Justin Herbert try to stand behind his line to find open receivers. It’s been two straight games of watching the Chargers’ star player get molly-whopped and even with the record they have, I cannot have any sort of confidence that this group will allow the Chargers to get past the first round of the playoffs.

The wild thing is, the Chargers offensive line only allowed six pressures and two sacks to the Chiefs. That feels like an unreal stat line given just how little time Herbert seemed to have on any given dropback. At this point in the season, there’s just no real answer and no real combination to be made that will give the Chargers the needed boost to this area of their offense.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ers-chiefs-youngsters-balled-out-in-gutsy-win

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers open up as betting underdogs ahead of Week 16 vs. Cowboys

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a big win against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, eliminating their AFC West foe from being able to qualify for the playoffs. Now, the Chargers get a chance to disappoint another large fanbase when they visit the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16.

The Chargers are a better team record-wise than the Cowboys, but FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 1.5-point underdog against Dak Prescott’s Dallas squad, which needs a win to keep its NFC East title hopes alive.

The Chargers are 10-4, which is two games behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. They are currently holding onto a Wild Card spot alongside the Buffalo Bills, who are also 10-4, and the Houston Texans, who are 9-5, but have won six games in a row.

The Chargers can move one step closer to the playoffs with a win against the Cowboys while keeping their division title hopes alive. The Chargers need to gain a game in the next two weeks in order to have a chance to win the division when the two teams meet in Week 18.

If the Chargers lose to the Cowboys and the Broncos beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver will win the AFC West, forcing Los Angeles to go the wild card route in order to make the postseason.

Kickoff between the Chargers and Cowboys is set for Sunday at 10 a.m. PT from AT&T Stadium. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it on the Paramount Plus app.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...betting-underdogs-ahead-of-week-16-vs-cowboys

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers sign S Marcus Maye to practice squad

The Chargers announced the signing of veteran safety Marcus Maye on Tuesday following the injury to rookie safety R.J. Mickens against the Chiefs. In a corresponding move, the team is releasing veteran running back Royce Freeman from the practice squad.

we've signed S marcus maye to the practice squad + released RB royce freeman from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/hY2EkrXPBb

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 16, 2025

Maye last played for the Chargers in 2024 when he appeared in four games with one start. He ended the season with 12 total tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. In all, Maye has 81 total starters under his belt and has played in 92 total games in his career.

Freeman was signed in recent weeks as the team awaited the return of rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton. With veteran Hassan Haskins’ return from IR just around the corner, Freeman’s presence on the practice squad was no longer needed.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...chargers-sign-s-marcus-maye-to-practice-squad

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Cameron Dicker named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

If it wasn’t for the leg of Cameron Dicker, the Chargers may have a few less wins under their belt this season.

Dicker was incredibly clutch this past Sunday as he helped the Bolts topple the Chiefs — completing the season sweep — by converting on all three of his field goals and an extra point. The Chargers only won by three points, so yes, Dicker was the difference.

top 2 but not 2

rt to vote #WPMOYChallenge + cameron dicker pic.twitter.com/gXkQpjP0iB

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 17, 2025

Dicker converted a pair of 49-yard field goals and a short 23-yarder on a day where the Chargers offense wasn’t quite getting it done as much as they needed. In the cold weather which obviously tends to affect west coast teams who are traveling, Dicker’s ability to be automatic was only highlighted in a tough-fought divisional matchup.

The Chargers kicker is currently 34-of-36 on the season with a long of 59 yards entering Week 16. He’s been good on five-of-six attempts from 50+ yards and 12-of-13 from 40-49 yards.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...er-named-afc-special-teams-player-of-the-week

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Cowboys Injury Report: Tre’ Harris, Quentin Johnston limited

The Chargers have begun Week 16 of the NFL season with a larger-than-ideal injury report that features 12 players.

Fortunately, two of them are simple veteran rest days with edge rusher Khalil Mack and wideout Keenan Allen.

The actual players who sat out Wednesday’s practice due to injuries were safety R.J. Mickens (shoulder) and returner Derius Davis. Jim Harbaugh said Mickens could potentially miss some time with the injury.

Edge rusher Bud Dupree (back), wideouts Tre’ Harris (hip) and Quentin Johnston (groin), safety Elijah Molden (hamstring), offensive lineman Trey Pipkins (ankle), and defensive tackle Teair Tart (shin) were all limited on Wednesday.

Linebacker Troy Dye (hip) and quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand) were both full participants at practice. This is the first practice since Herbert had surgery on his hand that he has been listed as a full participant. He spent the previous six practices with a limited tag.

wednesday's #LACvsDAL injury report pic.twitter.com/rWb2lSEoxa

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 17, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ry-report-tre-harris-quentin-johnston-limited

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers land athletic Texas A&M sack artist in new 2026 mock draft

The Chargers could feasibly go with several positions in the first round of this years draft.

Interior offensive linemen certainly seems like it’s at the top of the list. Behind that should be probably be defensive tackle followed closely by edge rusher.

We all know how bad the interior protection has been this season. That one speaks for itself. But even with the defense playing as well as it has been, the future of the trenches on that side is cloudy. Veteran Khalil Mack could very well retire after this season. In-season acquisition Odafe Oweh will also be a free agent this offseason.

Along the interior, current starters Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand are playing on a one-year contract. Rookie Jamaree Caldwell figures to compete for a starting spot in 2026 if either of those two do not return, but behind that is an underwhelming bunch.

In this new mock draft from Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick, the Chargers use the 26th-overall pick on Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell who is in the midst of a very productive season for the CFP-bound Aggies.

Here’s what Flick had to say about the pairing:

‘‘The Chargers have greater needs on their interior offensive line, but the value doesn’t align here. Los Angeles should extend Tuli Tuipulotu this offseason, but it also faces free agency questions with Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack. Howell, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after recording 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, would give the Chargers youth, twitch and violence off the edge. At 6′ 2″ and 249 pounds, Howell will be knocked for his size and isn’t an elite run defender, but he should make an early impact on passing downs.”

Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell

+ Bend and flexibility
+ First-step acceleration
+ Ideal pad level
+ Cross-chop, swim, rip finesse
+ Spatial awareness vs. run
– Short arms
– Average play strength pic.twitter.com/Kiyp3dDumj

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 2, 2025

Howell spent his first three collegiate seasons at Bowling Green where he broke out in 2023 with 9.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. After showing his potential that year, he transferred to the Power 4 level and immediately made his presence felt for A&M.

In his first season while playing in a rotational role alongside several future NFL draft picks, Howell recorded four sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, one interception, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. This season, Howell upped his game as a full-time starter, notching a career-high 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss to go with six pass breakups and another forced fumble.

Howell was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American by numerous publications.

Rookie edge rusher Kyle Kennard — the team’s fourth-round pick in 2025 — was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s been a healthy scratch for the majority of the season and is seemingly taking a redshirt year at the pro level. If Kennard does not take a leap in his progression, the Chargers may be forced to used a higher draft pick at the position and Howell looks like one heck of a player to utilize in Jesse Minter’s defense.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...c-texas-am-sack-artist-in-new-2026-mock-draft

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

LA Chargers discussion: How confident are you in this team’s future?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Chargers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...erbert-defense-nfl-playoffs-wild-card-seeding

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Cowboys prediction thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Tre’ Harris is making his impact felt on offense this year (Chargers.com)

Check out Thursday’s injury report for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Who has the edge between the Chargers and Cowboys on paper? (Chargers Wire)

Tom Brady recently said what Chargers fans already know about the team’s ceiling (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Sam Darnold overcame two interceptions to beat the Rams in overtime (ESPN)

The Jaguars and Jakobi Meyers agreed to a new three-year extension (ESPN)

These six teams are in striking distance of the NFC’s No. 1 seed (CBS Sports)

What we learned from the Seahawks’ OT win over the Rams (NFL.com)

Matthew Stafford believes the Rams will be ready for the playoffs no matter what (Pro Football Talk)

The broadcast team spent time discussing Puka Nacua’s recent comments about the officials on TNF (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...aily-links-chargers-cowboys-prediction-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out the Chargers’ first injury report of Week 16 (Chargers.com)

Why the Chargers defense could carry them into the playoffs (Chargers.com)

Jim Harbaugh admitted he’s spoken with Sherrone Moore since his firing (Chargers Wire)

Chargers fans get the last laugh in the Tua-Herbert debate (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

The Bears are considering northwest Indiana for their new stadium location (ESPN)

Brady Cook will get another start despite veterans on their way back (ESPN)

The Dolphins are benching Tua Tagovailoa to start Quinn Ewers for the remainder of the season (CBS Sports)

Which teams will own the 2026 offseason? (NFL.com)

The Rams’ flight to Seattle was delayed due to mechanical issues (Pro Football Talk)

Read up on some of the latest happenings around the NFL (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...115/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Cowboys Game Preview: Immovable object meets unstoppable force

The Chargers will be on the road for another week as they travel to Dallas this weekend to take on the 6-7-1 Cowboys in Jerry World.

The Cowboys are coming off a loss to the Vikings in which their defense could not put a lid on the inconsistent J.J. McCarthy and the up-and-down Minnesota offense. Dallas did managed 26 points, but letting up 34 to an inferior team while barely hanging around in the playoff race is a bad sign for the team’s current mental state. Now, they sit with a less than one percent chance to make the playoffs and even with a win over LA, their chance would only rise to two percent.

With that in mind, I think it’s safe to say the Cowboys are no longer playing for anything other than respect and the chance to ruin someone else’s season.

If I’m the Chargers, I need to acknowledge this and do everything in our power not to let a sub-.500 team potentially throw a wrench into their playoff seeding. It’s time to keep that “best” coming because everyone knows they need their best from here on out.

Alright, let’s go ahead and jump in. These are the three things I’ll be watching closely when these teams take the field on Sunday.

1.) Can the Bolts offense break out of their offensive slump?​

The Chargers offense has had a rough go of things over the past two weeks while facing each of last year’s Super Bowl participants. Granted, both of Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes would have preferred to have the stat line of Justin Herbert (the winning quarterback) over their own, but what the Chargers quarterback has been able to put out there on the field is nowhere near where it needs to be to make sure the Bolts have a chance at getting past the first round of the playoffs.

Enter this week’s opponent in the Dallas Cowboys who currently own the league’s worst passing offense. Per ESPN Stats, the Cowboys allowed 254.8 passing yards per game while also giving up 120.1 on the ground. On top of that, top cornerback DaRon Bland has been ruled out with a foot injury.

This is as good as any of an opportunity to get the offense back on track before the Chargers face two of the top defenses in back-to-back weeks to finish the regular season.

2.) How will the defense continue their elite stretch?​

Los Angeles’ defense has been incredible over their three-game stretch since the bye week and they’ll need that momentum to continue into their matchup with a Dallas offense that’s tops in the NFL (396.6) entering Week 16.

Quarterback Dak Prescott is playing great football as of late and wideout George Pickens (1,212 receiving yards) alongside teammate CeeDee Lamb (976) are arguably the top receiver duo in the NFL this year. At the same time, the Chargers pass rush has been playing on a different level lately and they just got done terrorizing two very mobile quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes. If the Cowboys pass protection is not buttoned up and ready, it may be a long day for Prescott and their air attack.

Specifically, the Chargers need to exploit their biggest weakness up front in offensive tackle Nathan Thomas. Thomas has been forced into the starting lineup due to injuries and he’s been a bit of a turnstile over the past two weeks. Against the Lions and Vikings, Thomas has allowed a combined 12 pressures and two sacks while being called for a pair of penalties. Against Detroit in Week 14, he posted a pass block grade of 16.3 which is one of the lowest single-game grades I’ve seen this year for a player not on the Chargers. He’s allowed 23 pressures in seven appearances, good for over three per game despite not actually starting and playing the entirety of those seven games.

It’s time to let Mack, Tuli, and Oweh off the leash in this one.

3.) Can Ladd McConkey exploit a good matchup against Dallas’ backup slot CB?​

It’s been a rough last month for the Chargers offense and it’s been especially tough for wideout Ladd McConkey who went from a record-breaking rookie campaign to a ho-hum sophomore season thanks to a very inconsistent passing game.

Over the Chargers’ last four games, McConkey has a combined 10 catches for 84 yards. In his past two against the Chiefs and Eagles, he has three combined receptions for 32 yards. That’s a really, really lackluster stretch for a guy who was supposed to be the team’s bonafide WR1 in 2025. It obviously has not been entirely his fault, but things need to change nonetheless.

Cowboys top cornerback DaRon Bland is out this week. Bland has also played the second-most snaps in the slot this year to safety Reddy Stewart. With Bland out, Stewart will likely see even more snaps in the slot or the Cowboys could turn to an inexperienced backup. Either way, the matchup in the slot bodes well for McConkey or whomever lines up there for the Chargers.

In coverage this year, Stewart has allowed 32 receptions on 37 targets thrown his way for 287 yards, per Pro Football Focus. If those 287 yards allowed, 239 have come after the catch, meaning Stewart has had a tough time bringing down his guy immediately after the catch. If that’s the case, I like Ladd’s chances of gaining extra yards and authoring a splash play or two on Sunday.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...view-immovable-object-meets-unstoppable-force

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Cowboys Game Preview: Dallas’ offense balanced by bad defense

The Chargers are 10-4 with three games remaining on the schedule. This week they travel to Dallas to face the 6-7-1 Cowboys who are coming off a loss at home to the Minnesota Vikings. Dak Prescott has been solid for the Cowboys and their top-ranked passing offense is what continues to spur the offense forward, but when you also give up the most passing yards in the league, every game becomes a track meet to the finish.

Los Angeles’ offense continued to fall back in league rankings after another underwhelming performance against the Chiefs. They now rank outside the top 10 teams in every major category with their ground game being their highest at 11th (123.4 per game).

Despite their record, the Chargers cannot take the Cowboy lightly. Any misstep on defense could result in big plays. If too many of those are allowed, it’s not guaranteed the LA offense will be able to keep up. Can the defense be elite for another consecutive week?

With all that said, let’s go ahead and jump into the numbers for this matchup.

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 337.9 (15th)
Points per game: 22.5 (19th)
Passing yards per game: 214.5 (19th)
Rushing yards per game: 123.4 (11th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,191 passing yards, 23 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kimani Vidal – 620
Rushing touchdowns: RB Kimani Vidal – 3
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 715
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 68
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 7

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 279.1 (2nd)
Points allowed per game: 20.3 (9th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 174.4 (3rd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 104.7 (11th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 86
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 19
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 12
Passes Defended: CB Donte Jackson – 12
Interceptions: CB Donte Jackson, S Tony Jefferson – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – 3
Fumble recoveries: 3 players tied w/ 1

Cowboys Offense​

Total yards per game: 396.9 (1st)
Points per game: 29.1 (4th)
Passing yards per game: 276.1 (1st)
Rushing yards per game: 120.8 (15th)

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Top Performers

Passing: QB Dak Prescott – 3931 passing yards, 26 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Javonte Williams – 1,113
Rushing touchdowns: RB Javonte Willliams – 10
Receiving yards: WR George Pickens – 1,212
Receptions: WR George Pickens – 81
Receiving touchdowns: WR George Pickens – 8

Cowboys Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 374.9 (29th)
Points allowed per game: 30.0 (31st)
Passing yards allowed per game: 254.8 (32nd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 120.1 (18th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Kenneth Murray – 74
Tackles for loss: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku – 9
Sacks: EDGE James Houston – 5.5
Passes Defended: CB DaRon Bland – 6
Interceptions: S Donovan Wilson – 2
Forced fumbles: 8 players tied w/ 1
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied w/ 4

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...review-dallas-offense-balanced-by-bad-defense

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers beat Cowboys, get closer to playoff spot

The Los Angeles Chargers are celebrating after a 34-17 victory against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 at AT&T Stadium.

In the win, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, getting the team its 11th victory.

Rookie running back Omarion Hampton had 85 yards and a touchdown, while Herbert ran one in himself as well.

The Chargers are 11-4 after the win and are on the doorstep of making it into the playoffs, but they are not officially in quite yet.

In order to clinch a playoff spot this week, the Chargers need either:

An Indianapolis Colts loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football

A loss from the Houston Texans against the Las Vegas Raiders

The Chargers will head back home and host the Texans in Week 17 in a special game. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. PT inside SoFi Stadium.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rgers-beat-cowboys-get-closer-to-playoff-spot

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

LA Chargers playoff picture: What Week 16 vs. Cowboys means for AFC standings

Week 16 has already blessed us with some amazing games, between the NFC West clash on Thursday that saw the Seahawks win an OT thriller against the Rams, and Saturday night’s Bears vs. Packers NFC North battle. Oh, and the Eagles also beat the Commanders — which eliminated the Chargers’ opponent this week, the Dallas Cowboys, from playoff contention. And heading into Sunday, we could see some big shifts in the AFC playoff picture.

The Broncos entered the week with the possibility of clinching the top AFC seed on the table. They needed to beat the Jaguars, and they needed the Chargers to beat the Cowboys to make it happen. The Chargers pulled it off, but the Jaguars shocked the Broncos with a 34-20 win.

But the most important shift we could still see in Week 16 is the Chargers clinching a playoff spot. That will happen with a win over the Cowboys, a box the Chargers checked, plus either a Texans loss to the Raiders (didn’t happen, though the Raiders made it a game) or a Colts loss to the 49ers on Monday Night Football.

Here’s where the Chargers stand after the late afternoon slate, and the win over the Cowboys.

AFC West standings​

1. Denver Broncos 12-3
2. Los Angeles Chargers 11-4
3. Kansas City Chiefs 6-8
4. Las Vegas Raiders 2-12

Updated AFC playoff picture​

1. Denver Broncos 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots 12-3 (clinched playoff berth
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-6
5. Los Angeles Chargers 11-4
6. Buffalo Bills 11-4
7. Houston Texans 10-5
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-5
9. Baltimore Ravens 7-8

Eliminated from AFC playoff contention​

• Miami Dolphins
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Cincinnati Bengals
• New York Jets
• Cleveland Browns
• Tennessee Titans
• Las Vegas Raiders

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...s-afc-standings-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers open up as betting favorites ahead of Week 17 vs. Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a big win against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, getting one step closer to a playoff berth.

The Chargers can officially clinch a playoff spot if the San Francisco 49ers beat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, but they will also do so if they beat the Houston Texans at home in Week 17.

The Chargers and Texans both occupy Wild Card spots in the AFC, but FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 1.5-point favorite against C.J. Stroud’s squad, who beat Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs a year ago.

The Chargers are 11-4, which is one game back the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. A win would give the Chargers a chance to clinch the division by beating the Broncos on the road in Week 18.

The Texans will be coming into the game with a lot on the line because a win for them would clinch a spot in the playoffs if the Colts lose to the Niners on Monday Night Football.

This will be a big game for both teams and it should give a taste of what playoff football will look like. The Chargers want revenge from last year’s loss, but the Texans won’t give it to them easy.

Kickoff between the Texans and Chargers is set for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. PT from SoFi Stadium. Fans can watch the game on NFL Network or stream it on the NFL app.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-betting-favorites-ahead-of-week-17-vs-texans

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers playoff picture: Los Angeles clinches playoff spot with Colts loss on ‘Monday Night Football’

The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff spot on Monday without even playing in the game. The Indianapolis Colts lost to fellow playoff hopefuls in the San Francisco 49ers. The game isin Indianapolis featured former Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers as Indy’s starting QB.

Updated AFC standings​

1. Denver Broncos 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-6
5. Los Angeles Chargers 11-4
6. Buffalo Bills 11-4
7. Houston Texans 10-5
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-7
9. Baltimore Ravens 7-8

How the Chargers clinched a playoff spot​

Now that Los Angeles has 11 wins, they needed one of the teams in the AFC wild card picture to pick up their seventh loss to secure a playoff spot. When the Colts lost Monday, their best possible record would be 10-7 and they would be unable to match or pass L.A.

A Colts loss also secured playoff spots for the Jaguars and Bills for the same reason.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ching-scenarios-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Herbert, Dicker among 5 Chargers named to 2026 Pro Bowl Games

The official results of this year’s Pro Bowl Games voting have been announced and the 11-4 Chargers are sending five players to the annual event.

Quarterback Justin Herbert, offensive tackle Joe Alt, edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, safety Derwin James, and kicker Cameron Dicker were all named to this year’s all-star event with Dicker being the lone starter of the group. Edge rusher Khalil Mack, cornerback Donte Jackson, fullback Scott Matlock, and special-teamer Del’Shawn Phillips were all named as alternates.

Herbert has quietly put together an impressive season despite throwing 12 interceptions (his second most in a single season). Given that he’s had to navigate one of the worst pass protections in the NFL for the majority of the year, he’s still thrown for over 3,400 yards and while scoring 27 touchdowns (25 passing, two rushing).

Even without playing most of the year due to a season-ending injury, Alt was one of the best tackles in the league before going down and his strong play seemingly left a big impression on the voters to still pick him as one of the top-three at his position in the AFC.

Tuipulotu has broken out in a big way in year three with 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss entering Week 17. Both numbers are career highs and dating back to last season, he’s recorded 23 sacks over his past 25 games played. It’s safe to say that Tuli has officially arrived in the NFL.

After being named named a Second-Team All-Pro has a slot defender in 2024, James is having another standout season with 86 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He’s been playing lights out for one of the league’s best defenses and the Bolts would not be 11-4 without him.

Lastly, Dicker makes his first Pro Bowl after being one of the biggest snubs from a year ago. The league’s most-accurate kicker in history (min. 100 kicks) is finally getting some of the recognition he so rightfully deserves, but it’s better late than never.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...among-5-chargers-named-to-2026-pro-bowl-games

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: Bolts break back into top 10

The Chargers won their fourth consecutive game following their bye and have now won seven of their last eight. They’re peaking at the right time just ahead of matchups against the Texans and the Broncos to finish out the regular season.

With the 49ers beating the Colts on Monday night, the Chargers also clinched their spot in the postseason. However, if they win out from here, they would actually win the AFC West and earn a top seed in this year’s playoffs. If they lose out, they’d likely land in the seventh seed. Splitting the final two games of the year would likely earn them the fifth seed.

Either way. the Bolts will be playing at least one extra game this year. Here’s to hoping it goes better than it did this past January.

With that said, let’s go ahead and see where they landed amongst the rankings this week.

ESPN – #9

If not for injury, this honor likely would have gone to running back Omarion Hampton. Instead, it goes to Harris, who has emerged as a surprisingly impactful run blocker who made several big plays in the passing game recently. The latest came in a win over the Chiefs in Week 15, when Harris hauled in a 37-yard reception that set up a momentum-shifting touchdown just before halftime. “This is a guy who played three positions in the last game with zero mental errors,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “That’s a testament to him, and it bodes very well for his future.” – Kris Rhim

New York Post – #9

‘‘After surrendering touchdowns on their first two defensive series, the Chargers tightened things up and ended the Cowboys’ hopes of winning a shootout by allowing just three more points the rest of the way in a 34-17 victory. Justin Herbert tossed two touchdown passes – including a perfectly thrown ball to Quentin Johnston – and ran for a touchdown.‘’ – Ryan Dunleavy

Sporting News – #9

“The Chargers went into Dallas and used it for a get-well offensive game with more juice from their defense, too. Justin Herbert needed that and so did Jim Harbaugh.” – Vinnie Iyer

Pro Football Talk -#10

“Justin Herbert is playing better than ever.” – Mike Florio

Yahoo Sports – #10

‘‘The Broncos’ loss to the Jaguars on Sunday was huge for Los Angeles. The Chargers are just a game behind the Broncos in the AFC West race, and if they beat the Texans on Saturday (or Denver loses to Kansas City on Thursday), a Week 18 game at Denver will be for the division title. The Chargers already have a win over Denver and a win in the finale would give them a season sweep and the tiebreaker. There’s even a small path for the Chargers to get the No. 1 seed. Week 16 was really good for the Chargers.” – Frank Schwab

CBS Sports – #11

“They have righted their season after the blowout loss to the Jaguars five weeks ago. The defense has really stepped it up, but their maligned offensive line was good against Dallas, which is huge for the playoffs.” – Pete Prisco

Bleacher Report – #11

“The Los Angeles Chargers are chasing the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title, and the two teams will meet in the final week of the season. First, the Chargers host the Houston Texans in their home season finale.”

“Despite an injury-riddled offensive line, quarterback Justin Herbert is doing enough with his arm and legs to keep the offense steady and productive. This past Sunday, Los Angeles lost fill-in left tackle Jamaree Salyer to a hamstring injury, which could be troublesome in a matchup against the Texans’ top-ranked defense.”

“Still, the Chargers, banged-up and bruised, are one of the AFC’s best with a shot at a division title.” – Maurice Moton

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rankings-roundup-bolts-break-back-into-top-10

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Texans Injury Report: 6 Bolts sidelined on Wednesday

The Chargers will face the Texans at home on Saturday this week which means their prep begins a full day sooner. Due to that sudden turnaround, the Bolts opened with an injury report on Tuesday that featured the majority of listed players with a DNP designation.

Aside from Keenan Allen and Khalil Mack being given veteran days off, six different players were sidelined on Wednesday. They were guard Mekhi Becton (knee), returner Derius Davis (ankle), safety RJ Mickens (shoulder), guard/tackle Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), defensive tackle Teair Tart (groin), and running back Kimani Vidal (neck).

tuesday's #HOUvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/BHsH3J1yTu

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 23, 2025

Pass rusher Bud Dupree (back) was the lone limited participant while both quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand) and offensive tackle Trey Pipkins (ankle) were both full participants.

If Becton is unable to go against the Texans this weekend, expect backup Trevor Penning to be the starter at right guard. Penning rotated in with Becton during the team’s win over the Cowboys and was also used as an extra offensive lineman on certain personnel packages.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-injury-report-6-bolts-sidelined-on-wednesday