NFL Predictions Week 16: Chargers Victory Will Spice Up Playoff Race

The playoffs may be near, but that doesn't mean the surprises have ended. 

The San Diego Chargers are trying to stick to the script they seem to write for themselves every season. Whether it be a slow start or an awful middle, as this season produced, the Chargers find a way to close out the season strong. In fact, it seems to be the only way Norv Turner continues to hold his station in life. 

Now they are primed to reshuffle everything we have taken for granted in the race for the last playoff spots. A win against the Lions will spice up the final two weeks, and for that we thank them. 

The Lions have what looks to be a firm hold on the second wild-card spot but looked shaky last weekend, needing a late comeback to secure a close win. 

Detroit has a group of hungry teams ready to pull within spitting distance of it. And that is exactly what I have happening against a red-hot Chargers team that is finally starting to figure things out. 

Don't think for a minute that the Chargers are playing for a spot in the playoffs. They know it will take a miracle for them to usurp the other teams in front of them. 

For now, they will settle for a strong finish that will have them holding their heads high in the offseason. A win over the Lions will do the trick and is not without merit, considering the shellacking they gave the Ravens. 

Philip Rivers had finally returned to the form that we have been expecting from him. That is three solid starts in a row, bringing confidence that consistency rests with the Chargers offense. 

It will still take a mammoth letdown by the Jets and Bengals the rest of the way, but that is not what concerns me. The Chargers have momentum on their side and will bring a wild end to this postseason race. 

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