Here’s how the Chargers can clinch an NFL playoff spot Monday night
The Chargers won’t travel to Indianapolis for their next game until Sunday.
In the meantime, they have gained ground in their pursuit of the franchise’s first playoff berth since the 2018 season.
The Chargers can clinch a playoff spot with a victory Monday at Indianapolis. The possibility presented itself after New England and Las Vegas both lost Saturday. The Patriots fell at home to Cincinnati 22-18 and the Raiders went down at Pittsburgh 13-10.
The 8-6 Chargers are sixth in the AFC and have a chance to move up to the No. 5 spot. They trail Baltimore (10-5) by a game and a half. Miami also is 8-6, but the Chargers hold the tiebreaker edge.
The Colts host the Chargers after blowing the biggest lead in NFL history, 33-0, losing to the Vikings in their tendency to allow points in bunches.
The Chargers have their playoff hopes in their hands regardless of what the rest of the conference does.
“We don’t have to look over our shoulders or be fans of other teams,” safety Derwin James Jr. said. “When you can control your own destiny, it’s what’s good.”
James, who was named to his third Pro Bowl this week, said he would return against the Colts after sitting out the Chargers’ last two games because of a quadriceps strain.
He was limited in practice Thursday, but the team announced James was a full participant Friday.
Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day (knee) and cornerback Bryce Callahan (core muscle) also went from limited to full, meaning the Chargers should be close to full strength against Indianapolis.
Among their starters, they will still be without edge rusher Joey Bosa (core muscle), defensive tackle Austin Johnson (knee) and cornerback J.C. Jackson (knee).
But, coming off the two most complete performances of the season, the defense is trending in the right direction health-wise.
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“Those guys are playing at a high level the last couple weeks,” James said. “I’m just trying to be there to help, bring that energy and experience and help us get to where we want to go.”
The Chargers just beat Miami 23-17 and Tennessee 17-14 in back-to-back weeks at home. They gave up only two touchdowns in each game after surrendering an average of 27 points over the previous three weeks.
Alohi Gilman filled in for James and provided both play-making and energy. Coach Brandon Staley has praised the way fellow safety Nasir Adderley responded in James’ absence. Rookie defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor also emerged after spending most of the season on special teams.
“I’m not surprised because I see the way they work,” James said. “I train with them all offseason. I believe in every man we got in this locker room, not just on defense, but in this locker room.”
Several players, when asked Friday, said they weren’t preoccupied with what anyone else in the AFC is doing.
“I don’t even know who’s playing who,” wide receiver Keenan Allen said. Later, he added: “I’ve been in a lot of NFL seasons. As long as we take care of what we’re supposed to take care of then those games don’t really matter.”
Said linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr.: “All we can worry about is our game. We just have to focus on us and getting ready for the Colts.”
The last time the Chargers made the playoffs during the 2018 season, they defeated Baltimore on wild-card weekend before losing at New England.
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