The Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Week 18 game is set up to be a potential playoff elimination game. However, a couple of scenarios could see both teams make the playoffs. Let’s examine the scenarios for both the Chargers and Raiders in a game that will finalize the NFL playoff picture for the 2021-22 NFL season.
Update: With time expiring in overtime, the Raiders kicked a field goal to defeat the Chargers. The Raiders are headed to the playoffs while the Chargers are headed home.
Chargers vs. Raiders playoff scenarios
First off, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. As Pro Football Network’s NFL Insider Adam Beasley pointed out, there is a scenario where both teams could make the playoffs, and it has the potential to be very embarrassing for the NFL.
With the Colts loss to the Jaguars, the Raiders and Chargers could both go to the playoffs with a tie. However, the fact this is a divisional game between two rivals should be enough to prevent any collusion — assuming sheer sportsmanship and the integrity of the sport is not enough in the first place.
We have seen similar scenarios in soccer, and it can make for a dull — and frankly laughable — affair. It seems unlikely, but with the Colts’ loss and the Steelers’ win, there is nothing the NFL can do publicly to stop these teams from playing out a tie.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s examine the scenarios for both the Raiders and Chargers, with several seeding options available to both teams.
The Chargers’ playoff scenarios in Week 18
The Chargers headed into Week 18 with the possibility of finishing anywhere from the fifth seed to missing the playoffs altogether. By the time they take the field, they’ll have all the info in front of them.
The simplest part is the Chargers must win or tie to confirm their playoff spot this season. Nonetheless, ahead of Sunday’s games taking place, let’s examine the potential playoff scenarios for the Chargers.
We will update scenarios throughout the day as games finish.
What is the scenario for the Chargers to finish as the AFC’s No. 5 seed?
With the Bills win and the Patriots loss, the Chargers cannot finish as the fifth seed.
What are the Chargers’ scenarios to end up as the sixth seed?
Entering Sunday evening, there are two scenarios for the Chargers to finish as the sixth seed:
- Chargers win
- Chargers tie
How can Los Angeles end up as the seventh seed?
The Colts’ loss means that the Chargers cannot wind up as the seventh seed.
What combination of results would leave the Chargers eliminated from the playoffs?
Indeed, there is only one result that eliminates the Chargers from the playoff picture. If the Chargers lose, they are out. It is that simple. Furthermore, if they win or tie with the Raiders, they are in. The rest is not for them to worry about.
The Raiders’ playoff scenarios in Week 18
Much like the Chargers, the Raiders have their playoff fortunes in their hands — win and they’re in. However, there is a scenario where the Raiders could lose and still make the playoffs. Let’s examine the Raiders’ scenarios regarding playoff seeding in Week 18.
We will update scenarios throughout the day as games finish.
How do the Raiders finish as the No. 5 seed in the AFC?
The Raiders will know when they kick off if they can finish as the fifth seed. Here are the two scenarios that would make that an option:
- Raiders win
What is the scenario that would see the Raiders as the AFC’s sixth seed?
There is no scenario where the Raiders can be the sixth seed in the AFC.
Is there a playoff scenario where the Raiders can lose and finish as the seventh seed?
The only possibility for the Raiders to finish as the seventh seed is with a tie.
- Raiders tie
What is the elimination scenario for Las Vegas?
Heading into Sunday Night Football, playoff elimination is still a situation for the Raiders. For that not to be possible, they would have needed both the Colts and Steelers to lose. Here is the final scenario that would see the Raiders miss the playoffs this season:
- Raiders lose