EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers have little to play for in Week 18, which raises the question of whether quarterback Justin Herbert should take the field in the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos and their league-leading pass rush.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said after a 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday that he hadn’t thought about it yet. Herbert, however, talked as if he expects to play. But if the Chargers (11-5) want any meaningful chance to win in the wild-card round and be a real threat in the playoffs, they need Herbert at full strength. That might require holding him out of the game.
Everything that transpired against the Texans and their elite defensive line indicated the best way to ensure the Chargers’ QB is ready for the postseason would be to sit him. Herbert was sacked five times and hit eight times as the offensive line’s one-week revival in Dallas proved to be more about the Cowboys’ defense. Herbert was under siege, as he very well could be in Denver.
The Broncos average four sacks per game, with outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper combining for 20.5 sacks this season. With the top seed in the AFC, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage all at stake, that defense has plenty of incentive to go all out.
Already playing with a surgically repaired non-throwing hand, Herbert left the field with his left hand and arm dangling after being sacked on the first drive against the Texans. Fortunately for the Chargers, he was able to continue playing without issue, showcasing Herbert’s immense importance as the team tried to rally out of an early 14-0 deficit.
“I mean, every week he does things that are reserved for only the best in the game — heroic,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just the kind of competitor he is, and so many feed off of him, we all feed off him. I kind of ran out of superlatives, really.”
Herbert is what makes the Chargers go. He is the main reason they are back in the playoffs despite constant uncertainty at the offensive tackle spots caused by injuries to starters Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Herbert’s ability to keep making plays with both his arm and legs, despite being one of the most hit quarterbacks in the NFL, has given Los Angeles consecutive 11-win seasons for just the third time in franchise history.
Herbert has been the on-field avatar of Harbaugh’s competitive philosophy: “attacking everything with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” as Harbaugh described it during his introductory news conference in February 2024.
“Every game is the most important,” Herbert said when asked about the significance of facing the Broncos. “You dive into it and you give it your all each week. I’ve got no doubt that this team will do that again next week.”
That mindset might lead to Herbert playing in Denver with the intention of trying to establish some momentum.
### What’s Working
Herbert completed 21 of 32 passes for 236 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also leading the team with 37 yards rushing.
### What Needs Help
The typically sturdy Chargers secondary had major issues on its first two drives, which ultimately cost the team the game. Cornerback Donte Jackson tried to pass off Jayden Higgins, but there was no safety help, resulting in a 75-yard touchdown pass. Jaylin Noel followed that up with a 43-yard scoring catch across the field against safety Elijah Molden.
### Stock Up
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston kick-started the Chargers offense with a 60-yard catch and finished with five receptions for 98 yards. If the growth he has shown in the first two seasons under Harbaugh continues, Johnston can cement himself as the dominant outside passing option Herbert has needed.
### Stock Down
Tight end Oronde Gadsden II dropped two crucial passes, including one that was intercepted by the Texans at the goal line late in the second quarter. The rookie did respond in the second half, finishing with three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.
### Injuries
The Chargers seemingly got through the game without further issue, but the absences of left tackle Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), return specialist Derius Davis (ankle), cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder), and rookie safety R. J. Mickens (shoulder) all loomed large in the defeat.
### Key Number
Kicker Cameron Dicker had made all 68 field-goal attempts inside of 40 yards before missing a 32-yard kick wide right late in the first half. Dicker also missed an extra point.
### Next Steps
The Chargers face the Broncos next week. Los Angeles is 5-0 against the AFC West this season, including a 23-20 win over Denver on Sept. 21.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/12/28/los-angeles-chargers-justin-herbert-week-18-broncos/