During the offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers went all-in, much like their SoFi Stadium co-tenants, the Los Angeles Rams, did in 2021, and they massively upgraded their defense.
By bringing in Pro Bowlers Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson, as well as defensive tackles Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson, they put themselves in position to contend for the Super Bowl championship they have never won, at least in the minds of many.
But instead of staking a claim to AFC West supremacy, the Chargers saw their key players go down to injury, one after another.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and ended up missing a total of seven games, while his running mate Mike Williams was out for four games with an ankle injury.
Quarterback Justin Herbert took a shot to the ribs early in the season and continued to play despite experiencing considerable pain, while left tackle Rashawn Slater ruptured a bicep tendon in Week 3 and is yet to return.
J.C. Jackson has been banged up all year and has appeared in just five contests, while star outside linebacker Joey Bosa only returned this past Sunday from a groin injury that had kept him out since Week 4.
About a month ago, Los Angeles was just 6-6, and its playoff hopes were in serious peril.
But it has responded by winning four straight games, and not only has it clinched a playoff spot, but it can secure the fifth seed in the AFC with a win over the struggling Denver Broncos in Week 18.
Steelers beat the Ravens. #Chargers move into the fifth seed.
And they will finish in fifth with a win next weekend at the Broncos.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) January 2, 2023
A victory over Denver would give the Bolts an 11-6 record for the season, which is close to what many were predicting in the first place this past summer.
They likely won’t reach or win the Super Bowl this season, but a win or two in the playoffs would set the foundation for what could be a triumphant 2023 season.
NEXT: Austin Ekeler Made Chargers History On Sunday