Chargers rest star QB, hand Trey Lance the reins. Denver eyes top seed in this crucial, injury-marred AFC showdown.
On this episode of The Electric Edge Podcast, Taylor previews the Chargers’ Week 18 finale against the Denver Broncos on January 4, framing it as a rare end-of-season spot where the outcome matters a lot more for the opponent than it does for LA. The Chargers have already locked up a wild-card berth, and Taylor calls the season a success even if it closes at 11–5, because the bigger goal now is entering the postseason healthy and stable. (0:05–0:12, 0:40)
Herbert sitting is the right call
The headline decision is Justin Herbert resting in Week 18 to protect and heal his hand. Taylor supports it as the smart long-term move — the Chargers don’t need a risky rep in a finale when the playoffs are the priority. The idea is simple: you can’t chase January football while ignoring Herbert’s health, and this is exactly the type of spot where good teams choose caution over ego. (0:51–0:59, 7:29–7:40)
Trey Lance gets his first start as a Charger
With Herbert out, Trey Lance steps in for his first start in a Chargers uniform. Taylor explains how the offense will have to shift to fit Lance: more RPO looks, heavier run-game emphasis, and quicker, simpler throws that let him play fast without asking him to win the game purely from the pocket. (6:01–6:06, 9:04–9:07, 13:51–14:03)
Seeding vs health: LA’s priorities are different than Denver’s
Taylor makes a clear distinction between the teams’ motivations. The Chargers are projected as the seven seed and a likely matchup with the Patriots, and the show suggests LA will prioritize staying healthy over pushing for a seeding upgrade. Denver, meanwhile, has everything to play for — Taylor notes the Broncos can secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed and home-field advantage with a win, which changes the urgency and likely the intensity of how they approach the game. (1:01–1:06, 1:10–1:13, 2:54–3:11, 12:20–12:32, 9:37–9:46)
Keys to stealing it anyway
Even with starters resting and the Chargers listed as heavy underdogs, Taylor lays out a path to make the game uncomfortable for Denver:
- Trey Lance protects the football
- Win time of possession by leaning on the run game
- Attack Denver’s turnover issues
- Work the middle of the field against Denver’s defensive soft spots
- Convert third downs and finish in the red zone
The overall message: if the Chargers play clean and keep the game slow, they can keep it close even with a modified lineup. (12:36–12:58)
Injuries and rest will shape the whole look of the game
Taylor goes through the injury report and expects a lot of Chargers starters to sit or be limited, which reinforces the “get to the playoffs healthy” approach. Denver’s list is described as shorter, another reason the Broncos should be expected to play this game closer to full strength. (21:39–24:02)
Prediction: closer than people think, but Chargers fall 20–17
Taylor expects the game to be more competitive than the spread suggests, even with LA resting key pieces. Still, his final call is a 20–17 Broncos win, which would leave the Chargers slotted into the seven seed heading into the postseason. (7:22–7:28, 26:40–26:58)
Listen to the full episode
If you want a realistic Week 18 preview that’s actually about postseason priorities — Herbert’s health, what the offense looks like with Lance, and how LA can stay sharp without being reckless — Taylor covers it all here.