There’s a very uncomfortable reality that many Chargers might soon have to face. The healthiest path forward for Los Angeles this season might just be falling short.

For the Chargers, currently 8–4 and second in the AFC West, that reality is getting closer every day. Los Angeles faces one of the most demanding remaining schedules in the league. With ever-increasing injuries and inconsistent play, a mediocre season could be the outcome the team quietly needs.

Herbert’s Injury

The most recent problem is Justin Herbert’s left-hand injury. Herbert fractured a bone in his non-throwing hand against the Raiders and underwent surgery the following day. Both he and the team remain optimistic that he could play Monday night against the Eagles.

However, “optimistic” and “without limitation” are different things. Even if he suits up, a damaged hand changes how a team structures an offense; there would be fewer under-center snaps and fewer risky plays. The offense would become much more predictable for opposing defenses.

Without Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the run game is already limited, regardless of the presumed return of Omarion Hampton. Trey Lance is not experienced enough to rely on in big games just yet.

Also, a shortened practice week raises the real possibility that the Chargers don’t look like the same team they’d likely want against the reigning Super Bowl champs, the playoff-caliber teams they face after the Eagles, and especially not in a single-elimination playoff game.

Chargers’ Rough Remaining Schedule

Los Angeles faces a particularly brutal closing slate. After the Eagles, they travel to play the Chiefs and the Cowboys. They then host the Texans and finish at the Broncos.

That stretch is one of the most brutal remaining combinations in the AFC, if not the entire league. The Chargers’ path requires pulling it together at the exact moment several other contenders have been peaking.

Even if L.A. hangs onto a wild-card spot, they’re likely to be battered. Critically, they may not be close to the form of the AFC’s best competition.

Chargers Can’t Charger Without a Game to Play

Primarily, missing the playoffs reduces the risk of exposing Herbert to another high-stakes loss. Such a loss would undoubtedly be detrimental to the team’s image.

Three playoff blowouts and a 0–3 postseason record would feed an already-present narrative of underachieving on big stages. The Chargers have a well-documented history of dramatic postseason heartbreak. Losing in the Wild Card round while still fighting through injuries and mediocrity would likely leave the staff and roster in a problematic situation and prompt a structural evaluation of roster needs.

Secondly, a lost postseason gives the team something it desperately needs: room to recalibrate. That means avoiding aggravating injuries and getting a clearer read on coaching. This way, they avoid squeezing everything into a win-now timeframe.

Key pieces like Derwin James and Keenan Allen might be gone next year, and Jesse Minter might be a target for an HC job. Ending the season on a rough note would make that process far more convoluted than necessary. If ownership and front office leadership take advantage of it, a near-miss can become a focused offseason strategy.

Yes, fans would be disappointed to end the season this way after such an impressive start. However, long-term competitiveness doesn’t seem to be an option this year in the Chargers’ current state.

Still Ahead in the West

That said, the standings show the Chargers are not out of it.

L.A. sits in a playoff spot, and with five games left, a 3–2 finish could plausibly keep them in the Wild Card mix. This is particularly true if conference losses pile up for teams like the Bills or Colts.

The broader AFC picture is crowded. The Patriots lead the conference, the Bills remain a threat, and several teams are in the same tough fight for Wild Card seeds. The Chargers’ margin for error is thin. However, they can still make noise if they protect Herbert and play consistently.

Unfortunately for the fans, context matters. When the franchise quarterback is injured and the play is unreliable, a missed postseason might be the cleaner outcome. It provides an opportunity to evaluate and build toward a deeper push next year.