Last week’s loss to the New England Patriots was not the end of the world for the Chargers’ playoff hopes. The Bolts still hold the final wild card spot and control their own destiny in the playoff chase.
It does put a tremendous amount of pressure to beat the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos on Sunday. A loss at the Q not only gives the Broncos the division title, it most likely puts the Bolts on the outside looking in the tight AFC playoff picture.
First, let’s take a look at the standings:
1. Patriots – 10-3 (East leader)
2. Broncos – 10-3 (West leader)
3. Colts – 9-4 (South leader)
4. Bengals – 8-4-1 (North leader)
5. Steelers – 8-5 (wild card)
6. Chargers – 8-5 (wild card)
7. Ravens – 8-5 (Chargers have tiebreaker over them)
8. Texans -- 7-6
9. Dolphins – 7-6
10. Chiefs – 7-6
11. Bils -- 7-6
12. Browns – 7-6
Basically, Chargers fans should be hating on anyone below them right now. Pretty simple, right? Even simpler: All of the games affecting them are at 10 a.m. today. Let’s take a look at those games and who to root for in them:
Falcons over Steelers: At 5-8, Atlanta is still in the lead in a putrid NFC South. Must be nice. A win here would put them closer to being worthy of the playoffs.
Patriots over Dolphins: I know, it’s tough to root for the stupid Pats after their fans invaded the Q last week and slapped the Chargers around. Let it go, Bolts fans. The Dolphins would own the tiebreaker over us if it came down to it. A loss here would help ensure it doesn’t.
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Raiders over Chiefs: Yep, gotta root for Oakland too. Just go with it. Doesn’t mean you have to like them, either.
Colts over Texans: A win gives Indy the division title. Let ‘em have it.
Jaguars over Ravens: Don’t hold your breath on this one, as the Ravens are favored by 14. Do you believe in miracles?
Bengals over Browns: Can we get another first-round playoff game in Cincinnati like last year? Chargers fans will take that, I’m sure.
Packers over Bills: Green Bay is the best team in the league right now. Here’s hoping they stay that way.
