Chargers secure No. 7 seed in NFL playoffs: Who will LA play?

Jan. 4, 2026, 4:36 p.m. PT

The Chargers officially secured the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoffs following a Week 18 loss to the Broncos and a Bills victory over the Jets.

Finishing the regular season with an 11-6 record, Los Angeles will hit the road for the wild-card round and face the No. 2-seeded Patriots.

Heading into the regular-season finale in Denver, the Bolts had already clinched a playoff berth. Head coach Jim Harbaugh decided to rest key starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert. Trey Lance started in his place, but the Chargers fell to the Broncos, who clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed with the win.

The NFL typically finalizes and announces the full Wild Card Weekend schedule, which includes specific days, times, and TV assignments for all six games late, often during or shortly after the conclusion of the Sunday Night Football game.

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