even though the chargers already clinched their division
2007-12-18 13:04:24 · 6 answers · asked by yankeefan1294 2 in Sports ➔ Fantasy Sports
Yes. Without a doubt. And, here's why:
The Chargers at 9 and 5 currently have the #3 seed in the AFC. They're tied with Pittsburgh (after they lost to Jacksonville), but hold the tiebreaker due to conference record. As such, assuming Jacksonville (10 and 4) comes in as the #5 seed and Cleveland (9 and 5) comes in at #6, the Chargers would host Cleveland in the first round and Pittsburgh would host Jacksonville. If the Chargers beat Cleveland, they then go to Indianapolis for the second round. In the mean time, the winner of Pittsburgh/Jacksonville would go to New England. Then, the only way San Diego would see New England in the playoffs would be for the AFC Championship. And, it's possible that J-ville/Pitt could knock off the Patriots and the Chargers would not have to see New England at all.
But, if San Diego is the #4 seed, they would play Jacksonville (who they already lost to in Jacksonville this season). And, if they beat the Jags, they then go to New England for the second round.
And, the only thing that can change about the seeding is if San Diego loses more games than Pittsburgh over the next two weeks or if Cleveland wins more games than Pittsburgh over the next two weeks. So, Pittsburgh could possibly end up being the #6 seed and San Diego could end up being the #4 seed.
So, the Chargers have a lot riding on these next two games. They're in the playoffs regardless. But, they would much rather not see New England until the AFC Championship game - if at all - than definitely have to face them in the second round.
LT and the Chargers have already said they are playing these next two games to win. And, LT figures to play a very prominent role in those wins. If it's a blow-out, they will take LT out. But, he will have had good numbers (look at the Lions game). If it's tight or they're losing, they'll keep LT in, because he gives them the best chance of winning.
Play LT. You'll be glad you did.
BTW - Michael Turner is the backup for LT. Sproles came in because Turner had a mild shoulder injury, and the Chargers wanted to rest both LT and Turner. Over the next couple games, Turner will definitely replace LT in a blowout. He's a free agent next year and the Chargers want to showcase him. If he does well, his value increases. So, another team may be willing to trade good players and/or draft picks for him.
2007-12-18 13:21:18 · answer #1 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will start. They may have already clinched a playoff spot but they still want to compete with the AFC North winner for playoff positioning.
2007-12-18 13:08:20 · answer #2 · answered by Da Pho? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Tomlinson will start. But if a lead grows over 20, which i think it will, he'll come out and most likely sproles will go in. Turner got hurt, not sure how bad, but look for him to play a short while.
2007-12-18 13:14:48 · answer #3 · answered by Boltsboy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they will rest him to hit the playoffs hard but I think he should since all NFL teams hitting the playoffs rest players in the last game.
2007-12-18 13:23:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes because they want a good playoff spot!
2007-12-18 13:44:08 · answer #5 · answered by Mike L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no becaus ethey dont want him hurt
2007-12-18 13:07:13 · answer #6 · answered by Zach P 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋