The Chargers are set for the regular-season finale.
Here's what you need to know about the Bolts ahead of Week 18.
1. What happened in Week 17?
The Chargers endured a frustrating 20-16 loss to the Texans at home.
The Bolts fell behind 14-0 early as the defense allowed a pair of deep touchdown passes in the first six minutes of the game, a hole that Chargers were unable to recover from.
The defense forced two turnovers and allowed just six points the rest of the way, but the loss dropped the Chargers out of contention for the AFC West title.
"Definitely leaves a bad taste in our mouth, but at the end of the day our end goal is still out there, winning that Super Bowl," Derwin James, Jr. said.
Khalil Mack added: "That was the goal this year, to come out and win the AFC West. But we're still in the right race."
Offensively, the Bolts fought back behind second-half touchdowns from Oronde Gadsden and Omarion Hampton, but the Chargers were hampered by an uncharacteristically poor day from Cameron Dicker, who missed a 32-yard field goal and an extra point in a four-point loss.
The Chargers were also just 2-of-5 in the red zone and had a turnover at the 1-yard line.
"I feel like we battled. But although we battled, we all just didn't do enough right," Daiyan Henley said. "You know, it's a team sport. We've got to do more. As much as we hate to lose, I'd rather do it now than later. Now it's time to get on a run and let's go."
2. What is the Chargers record?
The Chargers had already clinched a playoff spot but dropped to 11-5 with the loss.
And, as mentioned above, Saturday's loss eliminated the Bolts from the AFC West title race as the Broncos clinched the division.
The Broncos are 13-3 after Thursday's win over the Chiefs. Denver is also currently the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Kansas City is 6-10 and has lost five straight games while Las Vegas is 2-14 and on a 10-game losing streak.
The Raiders will get the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if they lose in Week 18.
3. What are the Chargers playoff seed scenarios?
The Chargers playoff seeding scenarios are a tad complicated.
But the main thing you need to know is that the Bolts — who will be a Wild Card squad — can still be the Nos. 5, 6 or 7 seed in the AFC playoffs.
The Bolts would get the No. 5 seed with the win and a Texans loss to the Colts in Week 18, regardless of the Bills outcome against the Jets.
As for the No. 6 seed, the Chargers would claim at least that spot if they win in Denver.
However, if the Chargers lose against Denver and the Bills win against the Jets, then the Bolts will be the No. 7 seed.
The Texans play in the earlier timeslot Sunday while the Chargers and Bills each play in the afternoon window.
4. Who is the Week 18 opponent?
The Chargers final AFC West game of the 2025 season is on deck.
The Bolts will now turn their attention to the regular-season finale on the road against the Denver Broncos.
Kickoff in Denver is Sunday at 1:25 p.m. (PT).
The Chargers defeated Denver at home back in Week 3 with a 23-30 walk-off win.
The Chargers are also looking to go 6-0 in the AFC West, which would be their first perfect season in division play since 1961.
5. What's an early Week 18 storyline to watch?
Will the Chargers rest any players in the regular-season finale?
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said following Saturday's loss that the team hadn't given any thought to Week 18 yet.
But even if the Chargers are in a spot where they can move up to the No. 5 seed, perhaps they rest either key veterans or players who have been banged up recently.
Or, perhaps not, as Harbaugh and the Bolts treat Week 18 like any other game.
Harbaugh will speak to reporters on Monday at 1:30 p.m. (PT).
