5 Things to Know About the Chargers Ahead of Week 17

Dec 23, 2024 at 08:13 AM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

Consider this your one-stop shop on Mondays for all things Chargers.

Here are five things to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 17:

1. What happened in Week 16?

The Chargers earned a massive win Thursday night by rallying past the Broncos for a 34-27 victory.

Justin Herbert put the Bolts on his back in the second half, willing them to a win by making clutch plays with his arm and his legs while also showing plenty of grit and leadership.

Defensively, the Chargers clamped down on Denver after a shaky start and allowed just six points in the second half.

The game's turning point came on the final play of the first half when Cameron Dicker drilled a 57-yard fair catch kick, an oddity in the rule book the Chargers were ready and prepared for.

Click here for a detailed recap of the Week 16 win.

2. Are the Chargers in the playoffs?

Not yet.

The Bolts missed out on clinching a spot Sunday as the Colts and Dolphins both won.

But the Chargers can get into the dance Saturday with a win over New England. The Bolts can also get in next weekend with losses by Indianapolis and Miami.

Overall, Jim Harbaugh's squad now sits at 9-6 and are in the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff field.

NFL Next Gen Stats currently gives the Chargers are 95 percent chance to make the dance.

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3. Who stood out on Thursday?

Defensive lineman Teair Tart produced a strong 92.9 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus on Thursday while playing 27 snaps.

Poona Ford, who played 45 snaps, also chipped in with a 77.0 defensive grade.

Offensively, Derius Davis played just eight snaps but caught his first NFL touchdown and posted a 91.3 offensive grade.

Other standouts on that side of the ball included Scott Matlock (83.8 grade on 26 snaps) and Herbert, who had a 78.2 grade while throwing for 284 yards and a pair of scores.