Los Angeles Chargers Playoff Scenarios: AFC West Still In Play, But Only If Chargers Beat Chiefs

At 10-3, the Los Angeles Chargers would be a lock for the postseason and favorites to win their division and probably even get a playoff bye in a normal NFL season. However, this is no normal season, so the Chargers will need to win on Thursday night to at least make it as a wild card team.

The Chargers travel to the midwest to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (11-2) on Thursday night. The clinching scenario for the Chargers is simple: If they win, they get into the playoffs and could theoretically still win the AFC West.

That said, they would still need help after knocking off the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium if they want to host a playoff game in southern California. The Chargers can finish no better than 13-3 on the year. If they win out, and the Chiefs do not lose again, both teams would have identical 13-3 records, with the Chiefs winning the division thanks to a better record in divisional games.

Meanwhile, if the Chiefs win on Thursday night, the best the Chargers can hope for is a wild card berth. A Kansas City victory would produce the Chiefs’ third straight division championship. Oddsmakers gave the Chiefs the edge in early betting odds.

The Chargers have a more difficult schedule than the Chiefs after Thursday’s game. They host the Baltimore Ravens (7-6) and then go on the road against the Denver Broncos (6-7) to close out the year. Both teams have strong defenses, capable rushing attacks and could be motivated by faint playoff hopes.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, have a Sunday night road game against the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) and then a home contest against the Oakland Raiders (3-10) to finish off the year. The Seahawks could give the Chiefs trouble, but the Raiders will have nothing to play for and have not won in Arrowhead since 2012.