Game result: The Chargers have clinched a playoff spot with their win over the New England Patriots. What will they chose to do in Week 18 with their playoff spot secured, but seeding still up in the air?
NFL playoff picture: What does Chargers-Patriots mean for AFC standings?
The Chargers travel to face the Patriots on Saturday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
NFL fans have three games coming their way Saturday as Week 17 action rolls on.
In the early game, the Los Angeles Chargers make the trip to Massachusetts to take on Drake Maye and the New England Patriots. While New England has already been eliminated from postseason contention, the Chargers are still right in the AFC playoff mix, and can clinch a spot in the playoffs this weekend.
Here is how this game could impact the AFC playoff picture.
Chargers playoff picture
Things are easy for the Chargers.
With a win or a tie against New England, the Chargers are in the playoffs.
However, Los Angeles can still get in even if they lose against the Patriots. An Indianapolis Colts loss or tie against the New York Giants, and a Miami Dolphins loss or tie against the Cleveland Browns would lock up a playoff spot for the Chargers.
What Chargers-Patriots could mean for other AFC teams
Two teams: The Colts and the Dolphins, face scenarios where a Chargers win leads to their elimination.
For the Colts, a Chargers win or tie against the Patriots plus a Denver Broncos win or tie against the Cincinnati Bengals would eliminate them from the playoffs.
The Dolphins are in the exact same position. A Chargers win or tie against the Patriots, and a Broncos win or tie against the Bengals, would eliminate Miami from playoff contention.
Tiebreaker implications
The Chargers-Patriots game does not have any tiebreaker implications.
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