After Los Angeles (11-4) won 34-17 over the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) on Dec. 21, here’s who Chargers fans should be rooting for in this week’s NFL slate.
The Bolts will return to SoFi Stadium with a four-game winning streak for a crucial AFC showdown against the red-hot Houston Texans, who have won an impressive seven straight games.
Given that the Chargers hold a one-game advantage over the Texans in the AFC playoff picture and trail the Denver Broncos by just one game in the AFC West divisional race entering the matchup, the Bolts can ill-afford a loss this weekend.
The matchups listed below obviously omit the Chargers-Texans game, since we’re all rooting for Los Angeles.
As a refresher, here are the current NFL Playoffs matchups entering Week 17:
AFC:No. 1 seed and first-round bye: Denver Broncos (12-3)Wildcard Round:NFC:Wildcard Round:
Now onto the individual matchups for Week 17:
Thursday, Dec. 25:Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) at Washington Commanders (4-11)
This is an all-NFC matchup that has no impact on the Chargers.
Both teams are eliminated from NFL playoff contention as well.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
Detroit Lions (8-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
This is an all-NFC matchup that has no impact on the Chargers.
While this match does provide an interesting implication for the NFC playoff race, as Detroit must win and hope for a Green Bay loss to remain in playoff contention.
Preferred winner: Toss-up (Lions for the potential exciting Week 18 chaos)
Denver Broncos (12-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)
There is a clear outcome Chargers fans want from this matchup: a Broncos loss.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention by the Chargers on Dec. 14 and are reeling after a 26-9 defeat to the now-3-win Tennessee Titans. Additionally, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a left knee injury in the Week 16 loss, which now thrusts Chris Oladokun into the starting role against the Broncos.
While a Broncos loss would significantly aid the Chargers’ chances of claiming the AFC West next week in Denver, it is not entirely necessary. If the Chargers are unable to take care of their own business, then a Broncos loss will be a must.
Preferred winner: Chiefs (PLEASE!)
Saturday, Dec. 27:Baltimore Ravens (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
This matchup doesn’t necessarily have a high importance to the Chargers, per se.
A Ravens loss would essentially clinch the AFC East division title for Pittsburgh and solidify the Steelers as the No. 4 seed.
However, a Packers loss could possibly extend the Detroit Lions’ NFC playoff hopes another week and create a chaotic Week 18 scenario.
Preferred winner: Toss-Up (I’m rooting for chaos, so Ravens)
Sunday, Dec. 28:Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Based on the aforementioned AFC East scenario, the winner of this game will determine the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoff race.
Preferred winner: Toss-up (Browns for the chaos)
New England Patriots (12-3) at New York Jets (3-12)
This game means absolutely nothing to the Chargers, as there is no way the LA can catch New England in the AFC Playoff race.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
New Orleans Saints (5-10) at Tennessee Titans (3-12)
This matchup means absolutely nothing to the Chargers, as both teams are eliminated from NFL playoff contention.
Preferred winner: Toss-up.
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Indianapolis Colts (8-7)
While this matchup doesn’t necessarily matter for the Chargers, Bolts fans should still be rooting for Philip Rivers and the Colts to last another week in playoff contention.
Preferred winner: Root for Rivers (Colts).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-9)
This matchup means absolutely nothing to the Chargers as the Dolphins are eliminated from the playoffs, and the Buccaneers are an NFC team.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
Seattle Seahawks (12-3) at Carolina Panthers (8-7)
This is an all-NFC matchup that has no impact on the Chargers.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
Arizona Cardinals (3-12) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
This matchup means absolutely nothing to the Chargers. However, it may also be one of the highest-scoring contests of the week, as both teams have atrocious defenses and elite offensive weapons.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
SUPER TANK BOWL!
This matchup means absolutely nothing to the Chargers, but it is quite possibly the funniest game on the Week 17 docket.
The Raiders hold the worst record in the NFL, while the Giants have the second-worst.
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft essentially guaranteed for the loser, who will claim it?
As an added benefit, the iconic play-by-play broadcaster, Kevin Harlan, will be CBS’s play-by-play voice for this horrendous matchup.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) at Buffalo Bills (11-4)
With the Chargers currently holding a tiebreaker over the Bills for the right to the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture, Bolts fans will want the Eagles in this matchup.
Preferred winner: Eagles
Chicago Bears (11-4) at San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
This matchup means absolutely nothing to the Chargers, but it is quite possibly the most entertaining game on the Week 17 docket.
The Bears could clinch the NFC North with a win, while the 49ers need a victory to stay alive in the race for the NFC West division and the top-overall NFC seed.
Preferred winner: Toss-up
Monday, Dec. 29Los Angeles Rams (11-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-9)
This matchup means absolutely nothing to the Chargers, as it is an all-NFC game.
However, if you have Los Angeles pride, then feel free to root for the Rams.
Preferred winner: Toss-up