Justin Herbert is one of the premier pocket passers in the AFC, and under Jim Harbaugh's coaching the Chargers have found the physicality and discipline that was missing in previous seasons. The combination of Herbert's arm talent, an improved running game, and a defense that Harbaugh has made more aggressive gives Los Angeles a genuinely complete roster.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | Chargers | One of Chargers's top players heading into this Week 17 matchup |
| Ladd McConkey | Chargers | One of Chargers's top players heading into this Week 17 matchup |
| LaDainian Tomlinson | Chargers | One of Chargers's top players heading into this Week 17 matchup |
| Travis Kelce | Chiefs | Key player for Chiefs that the Chargers defense will need to contain |
| Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | Key player for Chiefs that the Chargers defense will need to contain |
The Chargers are a team ascending in the AFC West, and Harbaugh's track record of building winners gives the program a credibility it hasn't always had. Herbert with a strong offensive line and a legitimate run game is among the most dangerous offensive combinations in the conference. For Chargers fans, 2026 feels like the year this roster cashes in on its potential and makes a real push in the AFC playoff race.
| Storyline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Chargers offense, Week 17 | How the unit performs under current 2026 roster and scheme adjustments |
| Chiefs defense | The first test for Chargers skill players coming out of the preseason |
| Turnover margin | Week 1 games are often decided by turnovers before teams find their rhythm |
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