The Los Angeles Chargers are 9-4 heading into a pivotal Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs - and the stakes couldn’t be much higher. A win this Sunday wouldn’t just boost their playoff positioning; it could officially slam the door shut on Kansas City’s postseason hopes for the first time in over a decade. In a year where the AFC feels more wide open than it has in recent memory, the Chargers are in prime position to not only make noise in January but to build something sustainable beyond it.
Herbert’s Moment to Take the Stage
Let’s start with the man under center. Justin Herbert is quietly putting together the kind of season that could vault him into the QB2 conversation in the AFC playoff picture.
With the Ravens trending downward and the Chiefs clinging to postseason life, the field is thinning. Josh Allen and the Bills are likely wild card-bound, and beyond that, Herbert’s competition in the conference includes a mix of young, unproven quarterbacks and veterans still finding their footing - think Trevor Lawrence, Bo Nix, Aaron Rodgers, Drake Maye, CJ Stroud, and yes, even Philip Rivers making headlines again.
That’s not exactly a murderers’ row of playoff-tested arms. If there’s ever been a year for Herbert to seize the moment and lead a deep postseason run, this is it. He’s got the poise, the arm talent, and now - finally - a supporting cast that’s starting to come together.
Reinforcements on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the Chargers are set to get a massive boost in 2026 with the anticipated return of both Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater at tackle. That’s two All-Pro caliber bookends potentially anchoring the offensive line - a luxury few teams can claim.
While the current line still has its issues, particularly on the interior with players like Bradley Bozeman and Mekhi Becton, shoring up the edges would be a game-changer. It would not only give Herbert more time in the pocket but also allow the coaching staff to get creative with interior configurations to mask weaknesses.
And with Joe Hortiz expected to have more flexibility to invest in the offensive line through the draft or free agency, the building blocks are clearly in place for a much-improved unit. That’s the kind of foundational upgrade that doesn’t just help in the short term - it sets the tone for a multi-year window of contention.
Skill Positions Quietly Becoming a Strength
What’s flown under the radar this season is just how solid the Chargers have become at the skill positions. Across running back, wide receiver, and tight end, this group finally has a level of depth and balance it’s been missing in recent years.
Keenan Allen continues to be a steadying veteran presence, but what’s most encouraging is how young the rest of the group is. That youth brings not just energy, but long-term stability.
With a capable arsenal around Herbert, the front office can turn its attention to shoring up other areas - particularly the interior offensive line and adding elite-level talent on defense. The offensive structure is already in place; now it’s about refining it.
Built for More Than Just One Shot
Sure, it would be thrilling to see this Chargers team make a run through the AFC gauntlet and punch a ticket to the Super Bowl this season. The opportunity is there.
But what’s even more compelling is the sense that this isn’t a one-and-done squad. The Chargers are positioning themselves to be a factor in the AFC not just in 2025, but well into 2026 and beyond.
With Herbert entering his prime, reinforcements coming to the trenches, and a young, capable core of weapons, this team is built to last. The door is open - now it’s up to the Chargers to walk through it and make this moment count.