The Los Angeles Chargers kick off their Wild Card playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 5:15 p.m. PT.
Who is going to come out victorious?
Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:
Gavino's Pick
In their first trip to the playoffs since 2018, the Chargers will get the chance to avenge their Week 3 loss as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence has made significant strides since the last time these two teams met, as he’s gotten more comfortable in Doug Pederson’s system. However, Los Angeles’ defense is healthier than it’s been all year, with Joey Bosa back in the fold. Amid winning four of the last five games, Brandon Staley has put together some defensive masterclasses, and I expect him to do so on Saturday night. While the offense will be without Mike Williams, you can’t bet against primetime Justin Herbert. Jacksonville’s defense plays man coverage more than most teams in the league. Herbert is far more effective against man coverage (fifth in expected points per play vs. man) than against zone defenses (21st vs. zone). Additionally, the Jaguars have been vulnerable against running backs and tight ends, so don’t be surprised to see Austin Ekeler, Gerald Everett and Donald Parham be productive.
Chargers 23, Jaguars 20
Alex's Pick
Ultimately, I think this game will involve a ton of flashy plays from two of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The duel between Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence is bound to deliver, even with Herbert facing an uphill battle with Mike Williams out. But such an even matchup means special teams will be a factor, and I think it’s safer to trust Cameron Dicker than Jaguars kicker Riley Patterson. Dicker the Kicker ends the Nate Kaeding curse of 2004 and sends LA to the divisional with a game-winner.
Chargers 27, Jaguars 24
Valentina's Pick
The matchup between the Chargers and Jaguars is sure to be exciting, especially since both teams have both been in the win column toward the end of the season. Besides the built-up momentum, the playoff meeting between the Bolts and Jacksonville is a tale of two young franchise quarterbacks.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert ranks No.2 in passing yards and No.3 in total offense. Meanwhile, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence leads one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league.
Not only will the narrative of the game be a tale of two young franchise quarterbacks, but I also think the quarterbacks will be the deciding factor in which team comes out victorious. Although it’ll be a close game, I’m taking the Chargers to come out on top because Herbert has been under head coach Brandon Staley’s scheme longer than Lawrence has been under Doug Pederson’s scheme.
Chargers 34, Jaguars 27
