PFF grades from Chargers-Cowboys: Johnston comes up big in return to Texas

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Quentin Johnston put together his best performance of the season with a 104-yard, one-score outing against the Cowboys in his home state of Texas. He caught Justin Herbert’s first touchdown of the game and later made two big catches to help keep the Chargers ahead of Dallas for the entire second half.

Herbert also had one of his best games of the season, completing 23-of-29 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns to go with one score on the ground.

Defensively, Tuli Tuipulotu notched his 13th sack of the season, further increasing his single-season high mark. Oh, and we can’t forget safety Derwin James who absolutely balled out against the Cowboys.

With that said, let’s go ahead and check out the highest and lowest graded players on the Chargers from their win over the Cowboys.

Offense​


Best (min. 20 snaps)

WR Quentin Johnston – 90.5
QB Justin Herbert – 88.1
RB Omarion Hampton – 84.9
WR Keenan Allen – 84.1
TE Will Dissly – 76.0

Johnston was the catalyst for the Chargers’ offensive explosion against the Cowboys on Sunday as he hauled in four passes for 104 yards and a one-handed touchdown. Herbert targeted Johnston early and then found him again on a critical third-down conversion in the second half that helped seal the win.

Hampton ran hard following the injury to Kimani Vidal and finished with 95 total yards of offense with a rushing score (his third of the year). Allen caught a team-high five passes and had multiple catches that moved the chains.

The seldomly-used Dissly had multiple receptions and finished with 28 yards, the most for him in a game this season.

Worst

OG Zion Johnson – 37.1
OG Mekhi Becton – 41.3
TE Oronde Gadsden II – 43.0
OT Austin Deculus – 53.5
RB Kimani Vidal – 55.4

Johnson allowed a team-high three pressures, two of which ended up in hits on Herbert. His 24.7 pass block grade was the worst on the team among all offensive linemen. Becton allowed two pressures (one hit) and had the team’s worst run block grade at 39.5.

Gadsden underwhelmed with a 39.3 in run blocking. He caught just one pass for seven yards.

Defense​


Best

S Derwin James – 92.0
EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 82.2
CB Benjamin St-Juste – 76.9
S Marcus Williams – 73.1
CB Tarheeb Still – 67.5

James was elite in coverage against the Cowboys as he finished with a 91.1 in that area. He also had the team’s best pass rush grade (75.1), the second-best run defense grade (71.0), and the third-best tackling grade (79.1).

Tuipulotu led the Chargers with five pressures and recorded his 13th sack of the season.

St-Juste’s 77.0 was tops for cornerbacks and he paired with strong marks in tackling (78.9) and run defense (65.0).

Worst

S Elijah Molden – 29.9
CB Cam Hart – 47.7
DT Teair Tart – 51.0
LB Daiyan Henley – 51.9
DT Da’Shawn Hand – 57.4

Molden had a rough outing against Dallas as he finished a team-low 33.2 in coverage. His 33.9 in tackling was also very low and that unfortunately sunk his grade.

Hart was toasted early by Cowboys receiver George Pickens as he allowed two receptions on three targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Henley also did not have a great day in coverage as he had all five targets his way to be completed for 62 yards.

Hand had a team-low 49.9 pass rush grade but otherwise was solid. His grades in both run defense and tackling ended above 60.0.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...boys-johnston-comes-up-big-in-return-to-texas
 
Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

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Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:


Check out the latest injury report for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

This year’s Pro Bowl Chargers reacted to their selections for the annual event (Chargers.com)

Five Chargers were named to this year’s Pro Bowl Games (Chargers Wire)

What is the ceiling for the Chargers in this postseason bracket? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:


Check out the Pro Bowl rosters for both the NFC and AFC (ESPN)

Justin Fields has been placed on IR and will miss the rest of the 2025 season (ESPN)

Sorting out this year’s contenders and pretenders before the NFL postseason (CBS Sports)

Maxx Crosby could care less about the Raiders potentially getting the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft (NFL.com)

Malik Willis is preparing to start against the Ravens in Week 17 (Pro Football Talk)

Predicting the NFL All-Pro teams ahead of Week 17 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...73/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread
 
Chargers Daily Links: Tuesday Open Thread

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Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:


The Chargers punched their ticket to the playoffs after the 49ers beat the Colts on MNF (Chargers.com)

Five takeaways from Monday’s pressers from the Chargers (Chargers.com)

The NFL suspended Denzel Perryman for two games (Chargers Wire)

Philip Rivers showed he still can play at the highest level at 44 years old (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:


George Kittle believes he got hurt on a hip-drop tackle (Pro Football Talk)

The Chiefs are actually moving to Kansas in 2031 (ESPN)

Jim Harbaugh is not worried about his job status despite underwhelming season (ESPN)

Brock Purdy and the 49ers trounced the Colts on Monday night (CBS Sports)

What we learned from the 49ers’ loss to the Colts (NFL.com)

Check out SI’s top-five MVP candidates entering Week 17 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...2272/chargers-daily-links-tuesday-open-thread
 
Chargers-Texans Game Preview: Elite defenses will define playoff rematch

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The Chargers have waited almost an entire calendar year to get a shot at revenge against the Texans. Back in January, Houston’s defense picked off Justin Herbert four times en route to bouncing the Bolts from the postseason in a game many in The Bolt wish they could completely forget. The thing is, whatever motivation that outing can provide for the Chargers this week needs to be used for added motivation to make sure the same outing isn’t repeated.

Once again, both teams offer two of the best defenses in the league this year. The Texans are arguably THE best, ranking first in both yards and points allowed this season. The Chargers aren’t far behind, ranking fourth and eighth in those areas, respectively.

As for the offenses, the Chargers have the edge with the 11th-ranked unit compared to the Texans 19th-ranked offense. The thing is, when these defenses are as good as they are, who needs to be that good on the other side?

This week’s matchup will have plenty of storylines and should be a must-watch for all football fans.

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

Chargers Offense​


Total yards per game: 345.5 (11th)
Points per game: 23.3 (17th)
Passing yards per game: 220.2 (13th)
Rushing yards per game: 125.3 (6th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,491 passing yards, 25 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kimani Vidal – 631
Rushing touchdowns: RB Kimani Vidal, RB Omarion Hampton – 3
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 758
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 73
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 8

Chargers Defense


Total yards allowed per game: 283.1 (4th)
Points allowed per game: 20.1 (8th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 179.3 (6th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 103.8 (10th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 92
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 20
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 13
Passes Defended: CB Donte Jackson – 12
Interceptions: CB Donte Jackson, S Tony Jefferson – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – 3
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied w/ 1

Texans Offense​


Total yards per game: 323.9 (19th)
Points per game: 23.1 (19th)
Passing yards per game: 217.2 (16th)
Rushing yards per game: 106.7 (23rd)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB CJ Stroud – 2,628 passing yards, 16 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Woody Marks – 584
Rushing touchdowns: RB Nick Chubb – 3
Receiving yards: WR WR Nico Collins – 1,060
Receptions: TE Dalton Schultz – 75
Receiving touchdowns: WR Nico Collins – 6

Texans Defense


Total yards allowed per game: 272.3 (1st)
Points allowed per game: 16.6 (1st)
Passing yards allowed per game: 176.1 (4th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 96.2 (4th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Azeez Al-Shaair – 96
Tackles for loss: EDGE Will Anderson – 17
Sacks: EDGE Danielle Hunter – 13
Passes Defended: CB Kamari Lassiter – 16
Interceptions: 4 players tied w/ 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Will Anderson – 3
Fumble recoveries: EDGE Will Anderson – 2

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ew-elite-defenses-will-define-playoff-rematch
 
Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Texans prediction thread

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Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:


Five final thoughts ahead of the Chargers’ Week 17 matchup with the Texans (Chargers.com)

Check out the final injury report for Chargers-Texans in Week 17 (Chargers.com)

Check out who experts picked in this week’s matchup between the Chargers and the Texans (Chargers Wire)

Four outcomes that Charger fans should be rooting for outside of beating the Houston Texans (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:


Travis Kelce dismissed retirement questions after Thursday’s loss to the Broncos (Sports Illustrated)

The Lions were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Vikings (ESPN)

Lamar Jackson is doubtful to play against the Packers this week (ESPN)

The Cowboys held off the Commanders on Christmas (CBS Sports)

What we learned from this year’s tripleheader on Christmas (NFL.com)

Harrison Smith is not ready to think about playing in 2026 (Pro Football Talk)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...daily-links-chargers-texans-prediction-thread
 
Chargers-Texans Live Game Recap: Playoff rematch kicks off Saturday doubleheader

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The Chargers are back in SoFi Stadium today to host the Texans (10-5) for the first time since the wild card matchup back in January. If you recall, the Chargers lost that game after Justin Herbert threw four interceptions and the offense fell flat until a late but irrelevant surge in the second half.

This year, the Texans have the number one unit in total defense and points allowed per game. The Chargers are obviously as injured as ever up front on the offensive line so it’s going to take something close to a miracle for the Bolts to handle Houston’s ferocious pass rush and their tenacious secondary — a group that has four players with at least four interceptions on the season.

A win for the Chargers today means they will still have a shot at the AFC West Crown if they win out. A loss will lock them into a wild card spot and officially give the Broncos their first divisional title since 2015. If these next two games are good for anything, they’ll be used as a barometer for just how capable this version of the Chargers are and how far they could potentially go in the playoffs. If they can’t hang with some of the league’s best, they likely aren’t making it out of the first round again.

The thing is, no one believed the Chargers could get to 11 wins with all their injuries, but here they are. Maybe they have a few more surprises in store for the league and their fan base over these final two weeks.

For a complete live recap of today’s game, keep it right here.

First Quarter​


The Chargers won the coin toss and chose to defer. The Texans offense was up first.

On the third play of the game, Texans quarterback CJ Stroud dropped back on third-and-one and launched a deep pass to wideout Jayden Higgins on a post route. Higgins sprinted past cornerback Donte Jackson to catch the pass in stride for a 75-yard touchdown.

Los Angeles took over needing to respond, but the offense went three-and-out with Justin Herbert getting sacked on third down by Danielle Hunter.

On the second drive for the Texans, Stroud found fellow rookie wideout Jaylin Noel for a 43-yard score to put them up 14-0 within the first six minutes of the game. After two drives, Stroud was four-of-four for 142 yards.

The Chargers finally got a first down on their second drive, but the drive was killed by another sack on Herbert just past midfield. Through two drives, the Bolts had run the ball six times to just three passes, two of which ended in sacks.

After the Chargers defense earned their first stop of the game, Herbert and the offense went three-and-out for the second after Keenan Allen dropped a would-be first down pass.

Second Quarter​


After each team traded punts to begin the quarter, the Chargers defense finally found a spark the team desperately needed thanks to a Derwin James interception in Texans territory. Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand got a finger on the ball and the deflection went right into the waiting arms of the veteran safety.

The Bolts offense then got their biggest play of the game with a 17-yard catch-and-run to get down to the Houston 15-yard line. A seven-yard end around by wideout Tre’ Harris then gained seven more yards, but the next two plays went for a combined -1 yard and the Bolts were forced to kick. Cameron Dicker was good from 27 yards out and the Texans’ lead remained 14-3 with a little over six minutes remaining in the quarter.

Herbert found Quentin Johnston for a massive 60-yard pass play that brought the Bolts to the Houston 14-yard line with 1:12 remaining in the half. Scoring a touchdown would have made it 14-10 before they got the ball back to begin the second half. Instead, tight end Oronde Gadsden let a walk-in touchdown catch go through his hands and into the arms of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

But that’s not where the first half madness would end.

With the Texans looking to potentially put up some points before the break, Stroud made an ill-timed decision and safety Elijah Molden picked off his first pass of the season.

The Texans made it very tough on Herbert who had little to no time to survey the field when dropping back. The Bolts couldn’t get close to the end zone and were once again forced to kick. However, in the most head-splitting way imaginable, Dicker was wide right from 32 yards out. It was his first career miss in the regular season from under 40 yards and the Bolts entered the locker room down 14-3.

Third Quarter​


Fourth Quarter​



Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ayoff-rematch-kicks-off-saturday-doubleheader
 
Chargers playoff picture: What Week 17 vs. Texans means for AFC standings

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The Los Angeles Chargers lost on Saturday to the Houston Texans and several outcomes cascaded. The Chargers can no longer win the AFC West and the Denver Broncos clinched the division in the biggest one. Secondly, the Chargers fell from fifth to seventh in the playoff race. They still have a playoff spot clinched, but now they are behind both the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Texans in the standings.

Current AFC standings​


1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England Patriots (12-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
5. Buffalo Bills (11-4)
6. Houston Texans (11-5)
7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
9. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

The Indianapolis Colts are currently eighth in the playoff race but were eliminated when the Houston Texans won on Saturday night. The only playoff spot still up for grabs is the AFC North division winner. That could be settled as early as Sunday if the Pittsburgh Steelers win.

If the current standings hold, the Chargers would travel to New England for a date with the Patriots but there is a lot of football left to play in Weeks 17 and 18.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...hat-week-17-vs-texans-means-for-afc-standings
 
Chargers fall short in loss vs. Texans

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The Los Angeles Chargers saw their winning streak snapped by the hands of the Houston Texans in a 20-16 loss at SoFi Stadium in Week 17.

The Chargers started the game off on the wrong foot, allowing two Texans touchdowns on the first two drives, conceding a 14-0 deficit right off the bat. The Chargers tried to catch up but missed cues that included an interception thrown in the red zone and a missed field goal right before halftime did the Chargers in.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 21 of 32 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown, while Omarion Hampton had a touchdown on the ground.

The loss for the Chargers means that Denver Broncos have won the AFC West. Next week’s matchup is simply for playoff positioning and not the division title.

The Chargers will be wild cards for the second year in a row and the Texans now have the tiebreaker on them if they have the same record.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...s/62381/chargers-fall-short-in-loss-vs-texans
 
Houston Texans vs. LA Chargers Week 17 game discussion

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Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers, December 27, 2025, 1:30 p.m. PT

Location: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Broadcast: CBS, Paramount Plus



The Los Angeles Chargers face a massive Week 17 matchup against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans that will affect the AFC playoff picture.



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Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...texans-vs-la-chargers-week-17-game-discussion
 
Chargers open up as betting underdogs ahead of Week 18 vs. Broncos

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The Los Angeles Chargers are resting their starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos to close out the regular season.

The Chargers are sitting a good amount of their starters because the team is no longer eligible to win the AFC West after their Week 17 loss at home against the Houston Texans.

The Chargers are locked into one of the three Wild Card spots in the AFC playoffs, which is part of the reason why FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 7.5-point underdog against the Broncos, who would clinch a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win at home.

The Chargers are 11-5, which is two games back the Broncos in the AFC West. If the Chargers beat the Broncos, it would open the door for the New England Patriots to clinch the No. 1 seed if they were to beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

In all likelihood, the Chargers will end up with either the number 6 or 7 seed. That will give them a chance to face off against a division winner in the wild card round. That team will likely be one of the Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars or Texans, depending on how the AFC South ends up shaking out.

Kickoff between the Chargers and Broncos is set for Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT from Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it on Paramount Plus.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...betting-underdogs-ahead-of-week-18-vs-broncos
 
Justin Herbert will not start vs. Broncos

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With the division out of reach and Chargers playing for only a chance moving their playoff seeding up amongst the wild cards, head coach Jim Harbaugh has decided that it won’t be worth trotting his franchise quarterback out there to play against the Broncos in the regular season finale. The game is also on the road in Denver and if Harbaugh can keep Herbert from having to take yet another beating (this time in the frigid cold), then he’s going to do just that.

"He’s got bruises that need to heal.”

Here's why #Chargers QB Justin Herbert won't play Sunday in Denver.https://t.co/I49Wu47TIN pic.twitter.com/yMhGxgWKfR

— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) December 29, 2025

Instead, backup Trey Lance will get his first extensive playing time this season as the starter for the Bolts in Week 18. As of Monday afternoon, it remains to be seen what other starters will be rested ahead of he playoffs, but some safe guesses would be veterans Khalil Mack and Keenan Allen, with possibly Derwin James, Tony Jefferson, and Donte Jackson also joining them on the sideline.

Either way, without Herbert running the show offenses, I truly have no idea what the product will look like in Week 18.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...2419/justin-herbert-will-not-start-vs-broncos
 
Chargers-Texans Winners & Losers: Herbert nearly carries Bolts to win

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The Chargers fell to 11-5 after a 20-16 loss to the Texans at home this past Saturday. After a rough start by the defense (14 points allowed in under the first six minutes), they hunkered down and allowed only six through the remaining 34 minutes of game time.

Now, if the game had started at that point instead of six minutes prior, the Bolts would have won 16-6, but that’s not these things work unfortunately. The Chargers now have to take this one on the chin, focus on finishing the regular season, and prepare for whomever ends up being their opponent in the wild card round.

With all that said, here are my winners and one big loser for the Chargers in Week 17.

Winners​


WR Quentin Johnston

Johnston followed his big performance against the Cowboys with another strong outing in Week 17 with a five-catch, 98-yard stat line to lead the Chargers in both categories. On a day where Keenan Allen was dropping passes, and Ladd McConkey was nearly MIA, the third-year wideout continued to show why he’s still one of the impact pass-catchers on the Chargers.

QB Justin Herbert

Herbert nearly willed the entire Chargers offense to victory this past Saturday after his defense lent the Texans 14 points within the first six minutes of game time. Despite being sacked five times and pressured on 38.1 percent of his dropbacks, Herbert still completed 21-of-32 passes for 236 yards and a score with one pick while also leading the team in rushing yards (37).

Down 17-3 late in the third quarter, Herbert put together one of the drives of his life. He completed a 17-yard pass to Allen on third-and-three and then scrambled for 28 yards on a third-and-14 just three plays later before finding Oronde Gadsden II for his lone touchdown pass to cap a gotta-have-it drive.

Each and every week Herbert proves just how important he to the entire Chargers franchise, and this season only goes to show that you cannot put enough resources into making sure he has the protection he deserves.

S Elijah Molden

Molden has had a ho-hum 2025 season following a breakout 2024 campaign that was cut short to a broken leg. Heading into Week 17, Molden had no interceptions, pass breakups, tackles for loss, or sack. No impact players of note.

He then shut me up after I was tweeting about such things by picking off his first pass of the season against the Texans. Pro Football Focus did give him the blame for allowing the 43-yard touchdown to wideout Jaylin Noel, but he otherwise ended with the team’s highest coverage grade at 81.7.

Losers​


Pass Protection

Herbert was sacked five times by the Texans, two of which came on back-to-back plays by lineman Derek Barnett. Pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson picked up right where they left off in last January’s playoff game in which they battered and abused Herbert down-in and down-out. Starting left tackle Bobby Hart was so bad in the first half that Jim Harbaugh made a mid-game switch to Austin Deculus (!) who held down the blindside for the rest of the contest.

Per Pro Football Focus, Herbert was pressured 12 times with the offensive line letting up 16 total pressures, including four from both Mekhi Becton and Trey Pipkins. Hart let up three pressures and two sacks in just 36 snaps, a little over half the snaps played as the rest of the line.

It’s still hard to believe that the only options at tackle behind the injured Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt were Trey Pipkins plus a handful of guys who were either unemployed or castoffs from other teams, but here we are.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rs-losers-herbert-nearly-carries-bolts-to-win
 
Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: Media agrees on Bolts just outside top 10

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The Chargers nearly dug themselves out of the early hole they dug themselves to beat the Houston Texans on Saturday, but ultimately fell short 20-16. The final point differential also being a direct reflection of the points kicker Cameron Dicker left on the field by missing both a field goal and his first extra point of the 2025 season.

It was tough-fought and gritty game by Justin Herbert, but once again the deficiencies along the offensive line were just too much to overcome. The Bolts fell to 11-5 on the year and are expected to rest a number of their starters in Week 18 against the Broncos.

The focus is now solely on the playoffs and their eventual opponent in the wild card round.

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

CBS Sports – #11

‘‘They blew their chance to win the AFC West by losing at home to the Texans. The offensive line is going to kill this team in the playoffs.” – Pete Prisco

ESPN – #11

Heartbreak has become familiar enough for this franchise that fans have given it a name: “Chargering.” This season has followed script as it has been marred by a run of almost comically poor luck. Both star tackles suffered season-ending injuries, and the first-round rookie spent seven weeks on IR. In Saturday’s loss — a game that could have put the Chargers in position to win the AFC West for the first time in 16 seasons — Cameron Dicker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed a field goal and an extra point. The Chargers lost by four. Moments like that make the question unavoidable.” – Kris Rhim

Sporting News – #11

“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

Yahoo Sports – #11

“This is nothing new, but the Chargers are going to have a tough time beating teams in the playoffs that rush the passer well. The Texans, Broncos and Steelers are all in the NFL’s top six in sacks, so those would be treacherous matchups. The Texans sacked Justin Herbert five times in their win over the Chargers on Saturday. It’s tough because the Chargers have a great head coach, great quarterback, top-10 defense and great talent around Herbert. But the injured offensive line is likely the fatal flaw.” – Frank Schwab

The Athletic – #11

After a good-but-not-great performance from Justin Herbert (21-of-32, 236 yards, one touchdown, one interception), who was admittedly under heavy pressure, Jim Harbaugh said this about his quarterback: “I think he’s the best there ever was.” That’s a wild statement from anyone else, but in this case, it’s just Harbaugh being Harbaugh. If Herbert can get this team to a Super Bowl despite facing the second-highest pressure rate in the league (42.3 percent), maybe Harbaugh will have a case.” – Josh Kendall

USA Today – #11

The Chargers’ offensive line remained a fatal flaw in Week 17 against the Texans. A date with the Broncos’ top-two pressure rate remains in Week 18, and four top-15 pass rushes will be waiting on the AFC side of the playoff bracket. Justin Herbert is going to have to be superhuman to get LA’s first playoff win since 2018, and that may not even be enough.” – Nate Davis

Bleacher Report – #11

The Los Angeles Chargers are headed to the postseason, but they may also be headed to an early exit for the second straight year.

Los Angeles’ biggest issue is a banged-up offensive line. The Chargers have struggled to protect Justin Herbert and to move the ball consistently on the ground. It cost them in a Week 17 loss that ended any hope of a division title.

Recent wins over the Eagles and Chiefs show that L.A. can be a serious threat, but winning with a bad offensive line in January is extremely difficult.” – Kristopher Knox

Pro Football Talk – #11

They still have a lot of work to do to get to where they want to be.” – Mike Florio

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...dup-media-agrees-on-bolts-just-outside-top-10
 
Chargers-Broncos Game Preview: Trey Lance will face Denver’s elite DEF

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The Chargers will end the 2025 regular season on the road in Denver where backup quarterback Trey Lance will start against the Broncos and their elite defense.

With the playoffs clinched, Justin Herbert does not need to trot out their this week in frigid weather just to get his tail whipped on repeat right before the postseason. Starting Lance is the only option this week and it also provides a nice opportunity to gain insight into what the Chargers have in the former first-round pick.

Behind this offensive line, however, Lance will likely have a tough time. The Broncos are expected to play all of their starters since they can still fight or the AFC’s No. 1 seed which means the Bolts and their backups will get all they can handle.

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

Chargers Offense​


Total yards per game: 341.1 (12th)
Points per game: 22.8 (17th)
Passing yards per game: 219.0 (15th)
Rushing yards per game: 122.1 (12th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kimani Vidal – 631
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampton – 4
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 789
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 74
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 8

Chargers Defense


Total yards allowed per game: 288.1 (4th)
Points allowed per game: 20/1 (7th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 183.4 (6th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 104.7 (9th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 102
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 20
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 13
Passes Defended: CB Donte Jackson – 12
Interceptions: CB Donte Jackson, S Tony Jefferson – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – 3
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied w/ 1

Broncos Offense​


Total yards per game: 323.9 (19th)
Points per game: 23.1 (19th)
Passing yards per game: 217.2 (16th)
Rushing yards per game: 106.7 (23rd)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Bo Nix – 3,790 passing yards, 25 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB J.K. Dobbins – 772
Rushing touchdowns: RB RJ Harvey – 7
Receiving yards: WR Courtland Sutton – 73
Receptions: WR Courtland Sutton – 1,012
Receiving touchdowns: WR Courtland Sutton – 7

Broncos Defense


Total yards allowed per game: 282.1 (3rd)
Points allowed per game: 19.3 (4th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 192.4 (8th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 89.7 (2nd)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Alex Singleton – 128
Tackles for loss: EDGE Nik Bonitto – 13
Sacks: EDGE Nik Bonitto – 12.5
Passes Defended: CB Riley Moss – 17
Interceptions: LB Dondrea McMillan – 2
Forced fumbles: CB Ja’Quan McMillan – 2
Fumble recoveries: 3 players tied w/ 1

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...review-trey-lance-will-face-denvers-elite-def
 
Chargers-Broncos Injury Report: Bolts begin Week 18 with massive report

The Chargers had their first practice of Week 18 on Wednesday and it came with a massive injury report that featured the names of 14 players.

With the expectation that a number of starters will sit in the season finale with the postseason clinched, veterans Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack, Derwin James, and Justin Herbert were all given the day off. Despite sitting this week, I’d expect to see them get some form of work in during the week either on Thursday or Friday.

As for the other 10 players with injury designations, running back Omarion Hampton (ankle), cornerback Nikko Reed (hamstring), and offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) were all DNP.

Center Bradley Bozeman (concussion), returner Derius Davis (ankle), running back Hassan Haskins (concussion), safety RJ Mickens (shoulder), cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder), edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu (rest), and running back Kimani Vidal (neck) were all limited to begin the week.

wednesday's #LACvsDEN injury report pic.twitter.com/hPqxMvdJBj

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 31, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...eport-bolts-begin-week-18-with-massive-report
 
Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

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Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:


Five things to know about Chargers QB Trey Lance (Chargers.com)

Take a look at all the possible matchups the Chargers could face in the wild card round (Chargers.com)

Drew Brees was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 (Chargers Wire)

Could the Vikings try and snatch Justin Herbert away from LA? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:


Who made the cut for Ben Solak’s 2025 All-Rookie team? (ESPN)

What are the biggest flaws for each of this year’s playoff teams? (ESPN)

Trevon Diggs was waived by the Cowboys (CBS Sports)

Mike Tomlin is committed to making sure Steelers-Ravens is not Aaron Rodgers’ final game (NFL.com)

This Sunday night will be the 40th matchup between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh (Pro Football Talk)

Jonathan Taylor did not mince words when discussing the Colts’ disaster to end the 2025 season (Sport Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...06/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread
 
Chargers Daily Links: Tuesday Open Thread

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Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:


Five takeaways from Monday’s media availability for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Five things to know about the Chargers ahead of Week 18 (Chargers.com)

Check out the best photos from Saturday’s game against the Texans (Chargers Wire)

Resting Justin Herbert in the season finale was the obvious call (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:


Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions in the team’s loss to the Falcons (Sports Illustrated)

Northwestern is hiring former Raiders OC Chip Kelly to the same position (ESPN)

The Ravens are still TBD on Lamar Jackson’s status for the season finale (ESPN)

Check out Week 18’s schedule recently released by the NFL (CBS Sports)

What’s the updated 2026 draft order look like after Week 17? (NFL.com)

Bijan Robinson set the record for most yards from scrimmage before the age of 24 (Pro Football Talk)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...2276/chargers-daily-links-tuesday-open-thread
 
Chargers-Broncos Game Preview: Allen has his sights set on incentives

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The Chargers will rest a number of their starters this week with the playoffs clinched, and that includes Justin Herbert and a number of their defensive leaders.

One veteran play who will certainly take the field this weekend is wide receiver Keenan Allen who is aiming for upwards of $1 million in incentives he’s closing in on with one more game to go in the regular season.

Other players who could be in line for some extra cash are cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (needs one interception) and linebacker Troy Dye (one sack) to activate a $125,000 boost for them both.

NFL Contract Incentives ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OCGeu1985I

— Toad Sports (@ToadSports) December 30, 2025

Aside from that, this game is going to be a fun watch for those who want to see the Chargers backups in action against one of the best teams in the NFL this year. Yes, it may not be fun by traditional measures, but seeing new faces on the field and letting yourself invite the unknown can be an enjoyable experience, even if you know the score may end up fairly lopsided in the worst way.

With that said, here are the final three things of the 2025 regular season that I’ll be watching for when these two teams take the field on Sunday.

1.) How will the offensive game plan differ for Trey Lance from Justin Herbert?​


Although Lance has been at every Chargers practice this year behind Herbert, it doesn’t necessarily mean the offense will remain the exact same

Lance hasn’t logged many snaps as a starter and his control of the offense is at a much lower level. He’s also been a much more avid scrambler and runner. To keep Lance safe from throwing more than he has to against a very good Denver secondary, I can see Roman truly leaning into the quarterback’s legs which would also help shorten the game. That may be something the Chargers want to do to limit the tread on his player’s tires just before the postseason.

I expect a much quicker passing attack and an amped up amount of RPOs, as well. While Herbert may not be playing in this one, I can still see it being a fun contest to take in given the unknowns about the players who will be taking the field.

2.) Which backups will standout against the Broncos starters?​


This week will be the best opportunity to see the Chargers backups in action since the 2025 preseason. Except this time it’ll be after months of additional NFL experience under their belt while also facing one of the league’s best team.

In this game, I’m looking to see how the coaching staff utilizes players like seldom-used wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith or 2025 fourth-round edger rusher Kyle Kennard. Will KLS manage to get a WR1’s workload or will that be fellow rookie Tre’ Harris? Will Kennard get the start this week next to Tuli? Bud Dupree?

Another name I’m excited to watch is former Raiders starting center Andre James who has seemingly been the team’s starting center in practice this week. Will he look like a marked improvement over Bozeman, despite playing with other backup offensive lineman?

This game is essentially being seen as a wash, but man I’m excited to see what some of these backups can do. I can’t wait to see if any show the coaches that they should be considered heavily in the team’s future plans.

3.) Will Keenan Allen achieve his incentives?​


This week, contract incentives have become one of the bigger focuses of Week 18. With one game left in the regular season, a lot of money is on the line for players who are oh-so close to hitting certain milestones. One of those players for the Charges is veteran wideout Keenan Allen who stands to gain $1 million dollars in incentives if he has a strong game against the Broncos.

According to Allen’s contract, he needs just nine more receiving yards to hit 750 on the year which would trigger $250,000 bump in his pay. If he Allen records at least six receptions and reaches 80 total on the year, he’d receive another $750,ooo. Allen told the media that he is most certainly going to play with the intent of striving for those marks.

Now the nine receiving yards sounds easy enough, but the six catches may be tough unless they manufacture easy touches (much like his pop pass to become the Chargers’ all-time receptions leader earlier this year). Allen has only recorded six or more receptions in three games this season and the last time came in October when he caught 11 against the Colts. Otherwise, he’s coming off nine consecutive outings of five or less.

Knowing this team and how they feel about Allen, I could see them go out of their way to make sure Allen hits his marks. If he doesn’t, that’s a very tough break for the veteran who is playing on a much cheaper deal than he’d personally like at this point in his career.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...review-allen-has-his-sights-set-on-incentives
 
Poll: Will the Chargers finish the regular season strong?

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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.

Heading into Week 18, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...the-chargers-finish-the-regular-season-strong
 
Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Broncos prediction thread

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Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:


Check out photos from the Chargers prep for Week 18 (Chargers.com)

Are media members picking the Chargers or Broncos this weekend? (Chargers.com)

ESPN says this is the biggest weakness for the Chargers (Chargers Wire)

This new mocked draft prospect to the Chargers would be a head-scratcher (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:


Lamar Jackson says he’s playing this week and that he’s “not quitting” on the Ravens (ESPN)

Pete Prisco picks games from this week’s slate in the NFL (CBS Sports)

The Packers added recently-released cornerback Trevon Diggs (NFL.c0m)

The Dolphins are hiring Troy Aikman to help out in their search for a new general manager (NFL.com)

Justin Jefferson wants to show people that J.J. McCarthy is the No. 1 guy (Pro Football Talk)

There are some hot names out there who could be on the rise to the next NFL general manager (Sports Illustrated)

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