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How Chargers' Win Over Broncos on 'TNF' Impacts NFL Playoff Picture
The Los Angeles Chargers inched closer to clinching a playoff berth in Jim Harbaugh's first season at the helm in their 34–27 victory over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.
In a game that featured the NFL's first successful free-kick field goal since 1976, the Chargers used a balanced attack and a bit of creative coaching to halt the Broncos' four-game winning streak.
After the win, Los Angeles now can clinch a playoff berth from their couches this weekend. The Chargers need the San Francisco 49ers to beat the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts to lose to the Tennessee Titans in order to secure a spot in the postseason bracket. Had they lost Thursday night, the Chargers' playoff odds would've dropped to 74% (via NFL.com).
The Broncos, meanwhile, could've punched their ticket to the postseason with a win. They could still earn a playoff berth this weekend, too, if the Dolphins, Colts and Cincinnati Bengals all win or tie.
Elsewhere in the AFC, the Bengals—given an 8% chance to make the playoffs—now need to win out while the Broncos lose out.
Following the Chargers' win Thursday night, here's how the NFL playoff picture looks heading into the weekend (Note: teams with clinched playoff berths are in bold, and all playoff odds are provided by NFL.com):
NFC Playoff Picture
SEED | TEAM | PLAYOFF % |
|---|---|---|
1 | Lions (12–2) | 100% |
2 | Eagles (12–2) | 100% |
3 | Buccaneers (8–6) | 83% |
4 | Rams (8–6) | 56% |
5 | Vikings (12–2) | 100% |
6 | Packers (10–4) | 99% |
7 | Commanders (9–5) | 84% |
--- | --- | --- |
8 | Seahawks (8–6) | 34% |
9 | Falcons (7–7) | 31% |
10 | Cardinals (7–7) | 12% |
11 | 49ers (6–8) | 1% |
12 | Cowboys (6–8) | 1% |
13 | Saints (5–9) | 1% |
--- | ELIMINATED | --- |
14 | Bears (4–10) | 0% |
15 | Panthers (3–11) | 0% |
16 | Giants (2–11) | 0% |
AFC Playoff Picture
SEED | TEAM | PLAYOFF % |
|---|---|---|
1 | Chiefs (13–1) | 100% |
2 | Bills (11–3) | 100% |
3 | Steelers (10–4) | 100% |
4 | Texans (9–5) | 100% |
5 | Ravens (9–5) | 99% |
6 | Chargers (9–6) | 98% |
7 | Broncos (9–6) | 85% |
--- | --- | --- |
8 | Colts (6–8) | 6% |
9 | Dolphins (6–8) | 4% |
10 | Bengals (6–8) | 8% |
--- | ELIMINATED | --- |
11 | Jets (4–10) | 0% |
12 | Browns (3–11) | 0% |
13 | Jaguars (3–11) | 0% |
14 | Titans (3–11) | 0% |
15 | Patriots (3–11) | 0% |
16 | Raiders (2–12) | 0% |
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Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.