The most important game on the Chargers schedule is painfully obvious

The 2025 LA Chargers schedule has officially been released and in classic Chargers fashion, the team has broken the internet with their release video. There is a lot to take away from the Chargers' schedule, including a late bye week that the fanbase has yearned for.

Fans were upset to see the Chargers end the season on the road against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers have been on the road in Week 18 in seven of the last eight seasons and playing in Denver in January is no easy feat. Many assume this will be the most important game of the season given it's proximity to the NFL Playoffs.

However, the Chargers' Week 18 game won't be the most important of the 2025 season. As surprising as that may be, it's clear the Chargers' most important game will be played a week earlier.

The most important game on the Chargers schedule is Week 17 vs. the Houston Texans

The real matchup that will have massive implications on the NFL Playoffs is the Week 17 playoff rematch between the Houston Texans and LA Chargers. Houston throttled the Chargers in the AFC Wild Card Round last season and will look to do the same in Week 17.

At this point in the season, based on the schedule leading up to it, the Chargers should have eight to nine wins. It usually takes 10 wins to get into the NFL Playoffs in the AFC and this game could push the Chargers over the edge.

Houston also projects to be in playoff contention. The Texans may not be a direct competitor to the Chargers as they could outright win the AFC South with a similar record, but there is a world in which the two teams are battling for a playoff spot.

The flipside can be true, as well. If the Chargers are 8-7 leading into this game a loss could be detrimental to the team's playoff chances. That would definitely make Week 18 against the Broncos a must-win, but nine wins still may not be enough to make the playoffs.

This game will also serve as a gut check for the Chargers. The Chargers are coming off a road game against the Dallas Cowboys and have a tough divisional matchup to close the season. If the team is a true Super Bowl contender it will fight through this tough stretch. Another blowout loss would be a very concerning sign, even if the Chargers are still in playoff contention.

Beating the Kansas City Chiefs will always be the biggest possible win of the season, but this Week 17 game against the Texans has all the makings of being a game with massive implications. Clear your calendars now.