The Chargers are in the playoffs and appear to be headed to Baltimore for ‘Harbowl’ No. 2 on the season after an impressive Week 17 win.
In Jim Harbaugh’s first season as the Chargers’ head coach, he has completed a significant turnaround, and his team is peaking at the right time after the Los Angeles Chargers’ playoff berth was clinched today with a 40-7 domination of the rebuilding New England Patriots. The loss drops the Patriots to 3-13 and keeps them in contention for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Thanks to the quick maturation of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, that pick will likely be used on Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter or an offensive tackle.
By clinching a wild-card spot today, Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh collects a $1 million playoff bonus in his contract. pic.twitter.com/28XCURQYWp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2024
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Baltimore (11-5) has a one-game lead in the division race over Pittsburgh (10-6). The Ravens can clinch the division with a home win over the Browns (3-12) in the regular-season finale or a Steelers loss to the Bengals (7-8).
According to ESPN, Baltimore trailed the AFC North by two games a week and a half ago and now has an 88% chance of winning the division. NextGenStats (NGS) gives them a 92% shot.
The Ravens are locked into the third seed and set to host a wild-card game. The team announced ticket information for a date to be announced at M&T Bank Stadium.
With one week left in the season, Baltimore is trending toward hosting Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers in what should be a highly anticipated contest featuring the two brothers.
Denver is currently the seventh and final seed in the AFC, setting up a nightmare scenario for the first round of the NFL playoffs. If the season ended today, the Broncos would face the Buffalo Bills (the No. 2 seed) in the Wild Card round.