Trey Lance is set to take the helm as quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, a move that highlights the team’s decision to rest main starter Justin Herbert for a largely inconsequential game in terms of playoff implications. While the outcome of the game could slightly affect the Chargers’ seeding, the coaching staff has opted for caution, emphasizing the importance of keeping their star quarterback healthy for the postseason.
Lance, who has shown promise during the preseason, is not alone in this situation as several backups may also find themselves on the field. For many in this position, Week 18 serves as a crucial opportunity to showcase their skills, potentially impacting future contracts and starting prospects elsewhere.
Particularly eye-catching is Lance’s status as a former first-round pick, which adds intrigue to his performance against a Denver defense that may be fighting for their playoff hopes. A noteworthy consideration is the Minnesota Vikings, who could benefit from adding a quarterback like Lance if he excels in this pivotal matchup.
The Vikings face a unique quarterback dilemma with J.J. McCarthy demonstrating inconsistency in his second year. While they see potential in McCarthy, the team understands the necessity of securing a reliable backup to safeguard their season. Their previous attempts, including bringing in Carson Wentz, haven’t yielded the desired results, prompting a search for a younger quarterback who can provide both talent and depth.
Lance fits this narrative well. At just 25 years old and familiar with a comparable offensive scheme from his time in San Francisco, he could flourish under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has a reputation for nurturing quarterback talent. Although he wouldn’t step into a starting role immediately, Minnesota could offer a more significant opportunity for Lance compared to the Chargers, where he would only see playing time in the event of a Herbert injury.
The potential for Lance to shine against the Broncos thus carries significant weight, as a standout performance could ignite interest from a team like Minnesota that is looking for a player capable of taking their game to the next level. Conversely, a poor showing could diminish his chances of being viewed as a viable option for teams searching for quarterback help this offseason.
For the Chargers, the focus will remain on finding a dependable veteran backup in the marketplace this offseason, rather than committing extensively to Lance. The upcoming matchup holds greater implications not only for Lance but for other players who are eager to secure their future in the league.