When the San Francisco 49ers beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, several teams secured a playoff berth. That included the Chargers, Texans, and Bills.
In Week 17, the Los Angeles Chargers lost 20-16 to the Houston Texans. With a playoff berth secured, the team is making a smart decision ahead of Week 18. NFL insider Mark Garafolo reported on Tuesday morning that Chargers QB Justin Herbert will not start in Week 18 vs. the Denver Broncos. Backup Trey Lance will make his first start of the 2025 season.
Trey Lance will be the Chargers’ starting QB in Week 18 vs. the Broncos
From @gmfb: To rest or not to rest? That is the question for the #Chargers (yes), #Rams (no) and #Eagles (I believe yes). pic.twitter.com/m5UzjhLJRZ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 30, 2025
While the team’s playoff seeding is not yet secured, the Los Angeles Chargers are locked in for the postseason. Knowing that, the team has made a decision at QB for Week 18. Justin Herbert has started all 16 of the team’s games in 2025. However, he will not suit up in Week 18 vs. the Broncos. Los Angeles wants to ensure that Herbert is healthy entering the playoffs. With Herbert out in Week 18, the Chargers announced Trey Lance will start vs. Denver.
In the 2021 NFL draft, the 49ers used the third overall pick to select Trey Lance out of North Dakota State. As a rookie, he appeared in six games and made two starts. During year two, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury. During August 2023, the Cowboys traded with the 49ers for Lance, who was their third-string QB and did not see any playing time.
trey lance 🔜 pic.twitter.com/TSgz4Cqbpl
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 29, 2025
Lance appeared in four games for Dallas in 2024 and started in Week 18 vs. the Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old is taking on a similar role in 2025. As a member of the Chargers, Trey Lance is starting in Week 18 vs. the Broncos. Los Angeles is allowing Justin Herbert to rest and ensure he’s at his best for the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Chargers are on the road in Week 18 to face the Broncos. Denver is still fighting for the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Expect to see the Broncos’ starter in Week 18. If they build up a lead, then they can allow backups to get more playing time. Trey Lance will have his hands full in Week 18 vs. one of the NFL’s top defensive units. Denver allows 19.3 points per game this season. However, the Chargers are allowing just 20.1 in 2025. It could be a defensive battle in Week 18.
