How can the Chargers clinch a playoff berth in Week 17?

Justin Herbert is on the verge of returning to the playoffs.

Thanks to the come-from-behind victory, denver broncos In week 16, Los Angeles Chargers They are looking to clinch a playoff berth in Week 17. They move east on Saturday, new england patriots At Gillette Stadium.

However, even if they lose to Drake Maye and co. on Saturday, they still have a chance to return to the postseason.

Here's the Chargers' path to the playoffs in Week 17.

Chargers' playoff advance scenario

The Chargers will face the New England Patriots on Saturday and can clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie.

However, even if the Chargers lose to the Patriots, he could still play if the two games are decided in Week 17. Even with a loss against New England on Saturday, Los Angeles still qualifies for the playoffs with the following record: indianapolis colts Lose or draw? new york giants,and miami dolphins Lose or draw? cleveland browns.

• Dolphins Lose/Tie AND Colts Lose/Tie

The Chargers have a head-to-head win over the Bengals, so we won't consider them here.

If the Chargers lose on Saturday and don't get the results they need on Sunday, they'll have to wait until Week 18 to qualify for the playoffs.

AFC standings heading into week 17

Here are the latest AFC standings, including the results of the Christmas matches.

1.z-kansas city chiefs (15-1)
2.y-buffalo bills (12-3)
3.×-baltimore ravens (11-5)
4.y-houston texans (9-7)

5.×-pittsburgh steelers (10-6)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, victory over DEN)*
7. denver broncos (9-6, lost to Los Angeles)*

8. indianapolis colts (7-8, 6-5 AFC wins over MIA)*
9. miami dolphins (7-8, 5-5 AFC, lost to IND)*
10. cincinnati bengals (7-8, 4-6 AFC)*
11. new york jets (4-11) — Eliminated
12. cleveland browns (3-12, 3-7 AFC. Victory over JAX) — Lost
13. jacksonville jaguars (3-12, won against TEN, lost 3-7 AFC, CLE) — Lost
14. tennessee titans (3-12, 3-7 AFC) — Lost
15. las vegas raiders (3-12, 3-8) — Eliminated
16. new England Patriots (3-12, 2-8) — Eliminated

Teams marked with an asterisk
excluded from division competition
Teams marked with (x) have qualified for the playoffs
The team marked with (y) won the division