Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
19h ago

Broncos Host Chargers With AFC No. 1 Seed at Stake as L.A. Rests Justin Herbert

Los Angeles is sitting Justin Herbert to protect his injured left hand, turning to Trey Lance for the regular-season finale in Denver.

Image
The Chargers’ Justin Herbert is high-fived before a game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at SoFi Stadium, by head coach Jim Harbaugh, who says his quarterback won’t play Sunday in Denver in order to rest his fractured left hand before next week’s AFC playoffs. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Overview

  • Denver clinches the AFC's top seed and a first-round bye with a Week 18 win over Los Angeles at Mile High.
  • Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Herbert is out with a fractured left non-throwing hand and that several regulars will be rested or used sparingly.
  • Trey Lance makes his first Chargers start, with some usual starters expected to dress in limited ‘backup’ roles due to roster rules allowing only seven healthy scratches.
  • A battered Chargers offensive line is down both starting tackles for the season, with center Bradley Bozeman listed questionable and left tackle Jamaree Slater doubtful.
  • Oddsmakers installed Denver as a heavy favorite (around Broncos -12.5, total 37.5), while a SportsLine model projects a Broncos win and indicates value on Los Angeles to cover.