Broncos Eye Top AFC Seed, Chargers Rest QB Justin Herbert in Crucial Showdown

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What was shaping up as a winner-take-all showdown between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers has turned into a contrasting affair. Denver coach Sean Payton views Sunday's game as a playoff match, with the Broncos needing one win to secure the top AFC seed and a crucial first-round bye. The Chargers, on the other hand, are focusing on giving their players the best chance to succeed in a potential wild-card game next week. Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh has decided to rest quarterback Justin Herbert, who has been playing with a broken left hand over the past month. Trey Lance will start in Herbert's place, marking his sixth career start and first with the Chargers. The Broncos, who have a league-high 64 sacks, will face off against Lance and the Chargers' offense. However, Denver's defense is not just about sacks; they also excel in categories such as yards per play, net yards rushing, third-down percentage, and red zone percentage. A win for the Broncos would be a significant milestone, as they haven't earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in a decade. The team is looking to build on their recent success, including a 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in a similar situation last year. Despite their strong performance, the Broncos have struggled with turnovers this season, something coach Payton believes needs to change for a successful playoff run. The Chargers, who are coming off a 20-16 loss to Houston, are looking to bounce back and make a strong push for the playoffs. The game is set to take place in the unseasonably warm Mile High City, with a forecasted temperature of 61 degrees at kickoff. The Broncos are eager to secure their top seed and take a significant step towards their goal of winning the Super Bowl.