With Week 13 of the NFL season underway, things are starting to get serious in terms of playoff positioning.
There are several teams fighting for a wild card spot right now, and just one extra loss could mean the difference between making some noise in the postseason and watching the postseason from home.
These two teams are in a virtual must-win situation this weekend, as their playoff hopes may be riding on their next contest.
Los Angeles Chargers
When the season started, many expected the Chargers to be Super Bowl contenders and possibly even win the AFC West.
But because of a big rash of injuries and a defense that has never quite gelled, L.A. is just 6-5 and one game behind the New York Jets for the final playoff spot in the conference.
the chargers have the worst defense this….century? LMFAOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/tf4BcFE6lZ
— ً (@MyTeamHatesMe) November 29, 2022
Justin Herbert and company will face their division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, and although the Raiders have had an ugly season, they’ve won their last two contests.
If the Bolts don’t come out of Nevada with a win, they may have to kiss their playoff hopes goodbye, especially with a Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins looming.
Washington Commanders
Someway, somehow, the Commanders have won six of their last seven, and with a 7-5 record they currently hold one of the NFC’s three wild card spots.
They will head to North Jersey to face the New York Giants, who are 7-4 and in third place in the NFC East.
Washington will play New York again in Week 15 after its bye week before facing the San Francisco 49ers the following week and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18, so this Sunday could decide its playoff fate.
NEXT: 2 Bold Predictions For Chiefs Vs. Bengals