Jim Harbaugh’s plans for some starters for Week 18 against the Broncos
The Los Angeles Chargers will travel to the Mile High City this weekend to take on the Denver Broncos, who are on the verge of earning the top seed in the AFC. The Chargers are currently 5-0 in the division, giving them a chance to go a perfect 6-0 in the AFC West without even winning the division. The Broncos won the crown last Saturday after the Houston Texans defeated the Bolts 20-16.
The Bolts are going with a different game plan this week. Justin Herbert will not playand some other players have already been excluded for this competitionincluding running back Omarion Hampton.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh he recently spoke to the media and said that some rookies will fit in and fill a backup role.
“There could be starters who dress for the game, but in a reserve role.”
With Herbert and Hampton already out, more starters could join them on the bench. Jamaree Salier and Elijah Molden are doubtful for the game, while the rest, including Kimani Vidal, are questionable.
Players like Keenan Allen, Dervin James, Khalil Mack, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Tuli Tuipulotu could see some action. Allen has a few contract incentives he may want to tap into. I expect Allen to get a ton of targets early, even if he doesn’t start. If he gets six catches, then Allen would make a big payday. ESPN’s Chris Rhim confirmed that Allen will play in a post comment.
Harbaugh is making sure he has a healthy playoff team. The team is likely to play the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round unless they lose to the Miami Dolphins or the Bolts upset the Broncos and blow away their chances for the top seed on Sunday. If both the Broncos and Patriots lose, the Jacksonville Jaguars could clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Knowing how smart Harbaugh is, he could set himself up for perfection by focusing on the Patriots for two weeks.
2026-01-02 23:00:00
