Following the loss to the Texans, the Chargers were eliminated from contention for the AFC West, with the Denver Broncos clinching the division.
After Sunday’s games, Los Angeles is currently the No. 6 seed and would face the Jaguars, the No. 3 seed, if the season ended today.
Potential scenarios
The fifth seed could be for the taking if Los Angeles beats Denver and the Texans lose to the Colts in Week 18. Should they get the fifth seed, they would play the AFC North champion, either the Steelers or the Ravens.
The Bolts would get the No. 6 spot if they beat the Broncos and the Texans win next weekend.
If the Chargers lose against the Broncos, they will be the No. 7 seed. As of today, that spot is projected to be the Patriots, winners of the AFC East.
Current AFC playoff pictureDenver Broncos (13-3, AFC West champions)New England Patriots (13-3, AFC East champions)Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, AFC South leaders)AFC North winner (to be decided in Week 18: Steelers vs. Ravens)Houston Texans (11-5, wild card)Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, wild card)Buffalo Bills (11-4, wild card)