The 2024 NFL season is coming down to the wire with just a few weeks remaining. The offseason brought big changes as the Chargers coaxed former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh back to the NFL. The move has paid off for the Los Angeles Chargers’ playoff scenarios, at least for this season.
With their loss to the Buccaneers in Week 15, let’s take a look at what their postseason chances look like.
Chargers Playoff Situation | Week 15 Update
AFC Scores in Week 15 Relevant to Playoff Race
- Chiefs defeated Browns, 21-7
- Bengals defeated Titans, 37-27
- Texans defeated Dolphins, 20-12
- Ravens defeated Giants, 35-14
- Buccaneers defeated Chargers, 40-17
- Eagles defeated Steelers, 27-13
- Broncos defeated Colts, 31-13
- Bills defeated Lions, 48-42
According to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, Harbaugh and the Chargers have a 67.6% chance of making the NFL playoffs. However, with three games and the 27th-ranked remaining strength of schedule, there’s a chance Los Angeles could hold on and secure their spot in the playoffs.
The Playoff Predictor gives the Chargers a 15.1% chance of clinching the fifth seed, a 24.9% chance of clinching the sixth seed, and a 26.7% chance of securing the seventh seed.
They are in an interesting situation because they can lock in the fifth seed, stay at the seventh seed (where they are after Week 15), or miss the playoffs completely.
The Chargers can start by handling business against the Broncos in Week 16. If they do that, they’ll slide back into the sixth seed. They’ll then need to hold off the Patriots in Week 17 and the Raiders in Week 18 — both very favorable matchups for Los Angeles.
So, essentially, if the Chargers win out, they’ll be the sixth seed. If the Ravens drop two of their next three and the Chargers win out, Los Angeles will slide into the fifth seed.
There are many different combinations, but the simplest one is this: Take care of business, and Los Angeles is in the playoffs as the sixth seed.
Head over to PFN’s free NFL Playoff Predictor, where you can choose who will win the remaining NFL games to see your ideal playoff picture and how it differs from the current NFL playoff bracket.
Why Can’t the Chargers Win the AFC West?
The Chargers missed a chance to stay in the discussion for an AFC West title. The Kansas City Chiefs escaped, 19-17, in Week 14 on the foot (and doink) of kicker Matthew Wright. The win allowed the Chiefs to clinch their ninth straight AFC West title as they continue their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
The kick was good and so are the windows in the radio booth 🤣 pic.twitter.com/X6sDyLilEO
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 10, 2024
Unfortunately, the Chargers’ only path to a playoff appearance will be clinching a Wild Card spot. Despite significant improvements in Harbaugh’s first season in Los Angeles, the Chargers fell short of a divisional title.
However, considerable ground was made with respect to the gap between the two rivals. Expect the Chargers to give the Chiefs a run for their money in 2025.
