Broncos catch a huge break in Week 18 matchup against the Chargers

The Denver Broncos can wrap up the No. 1 seed on Sunday with a win at home over the Los Angeles Chargers.

And on Monday, they caught a huge break.

L.A. head coach Jim Harbaugh held his normal press conference and announced some big news. The Chargers are choosing rest over trying to spoil the Broncos chances of being the top seed in the AFC.

Jim Harbaugh said QB Justin Herbert won’t play Sunday against the Broncos.

Said other starters with “the most bruises” and need “the most healing” won’t play.

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 29, 2025

Herbert is a Pro Bowler and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Any way you slice it, this is massive for the Broncos as they pursue a valuable bye week during the first-round of the playoffs.

If that happens, Denver would need to win two home postseason games to go to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.

Once injury reports begin to drop on Wednesday, we’ll see what other Chargers players sit this one out. That could include more big names, as Los Angeles is locked into a wild card spot and Harbaugh doesn’t seem too concerned about whether they’re the No. 5, 6 or 7 seed.

The Broncos will see Trey Lance, making his sixth career NFL start. He’s appeared in three games this season, but hasn’t played much, completing seven of 13 passes for 90 yards. He was a former first-round bust who has bounced from the 49ers to the Cowboys and now Chargers.

Denver is now a double-digit favorite in the game, according to the oddsmakers. The line shifted multiple points right after the big Herbert news was announced.

Now, it’s up to the Broncos to take care of business. If they beat the L.A. backups, Denver is the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

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