Sporting a paltry 4-6 record following an upset 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, your Los Angeles Chargers' playoff odds might be slim right now, amidst a loaded AFC (even the Denver Broncos are .500 now somehow).
But the Bolts are going to be pretty much completely dead for the 2023 season if LA can't win next weekend, against (gulp) Pro Bowler Lamar Jackson's 8-3 Baltimore Ravens.
Things will get a bit easier for the next pair of weekends, as Los Angeles will next play the 2-8 New England Patriots and the aforementioned, thoroughly mediocre Broncos. But the Chargers did just lose to a team that had been 3-6 heading into their meeting. Nothing is certainly with this underwhelming defense, which certainly can't afford to lose any bodies.
Unfortunately, LA is only getting more banged up, on both ends of the ball.
On the heels of some ominous news about Joey Bosa's health (he sprained his right foot against Green Bay and will miss at least the next several weeks), Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports that linebacker/special teams contributor Tanner Muse suffered a knee sprain, and head coach Brandon Staley believes Muse will soon join Bosa on the Chargers' Injured Reserve list.
Here's wishing Muse a speedy recovery. His colleagues need him!
Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!
More must-reads: