Is Justin Herbert playing today vs Raiders? Exploring Chargers QB's status for Week 18 

Not many expected the Los Angeles Chargers to be here in Week 18. With 10 wins heading into their regular-season finale, it appears Jim Harbaugh has breathed new life into a franchise that just never appeared to be heading in the direction of contention under former head coach Brandon Staley. With Justin Herbert in tow, the Chargers impressed most NFL fans despite losing big names like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

And now here we are. The Chargers are the fifth seed in the AFC but haven't quite locked it up just yet. They will have an opportunity to do so when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders later this evening and clearly have no plans to rest Herbert as they begin their pursuit of an 11th win.

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots - Source: Imagn

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Is Justin Herbert playing today vs the Las Vegas Raiders?

The Chargers have eight names on the Week 18 injury report but Justin Herbert is not one of them. Expect to see a lot of Herbert as the Chargers look to lock up the fifth seed in the AFC.

However, wide receiver Josh Palmer will play no part tonight due to a foot injury. Running back Gus Edwards is also out with an ankle injury.

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Will Los Angeles Chargers rest starters for Week 18 vs Raiders?

In a nutshell, no. Jim Harbaugh made it clear that the team is looking to go all-in to put their name across as the fifth seed in the conference.

“We’re playing to move up,” Harbaugh told the Associated Press. “We’d love to be in the fifth seed. That gives you a chance to have a playoff game at home, even in the divisional round. That’s where things stand for us, the plan for us is to win. That’s been the mindset from the beginning.”

A loss to the Chargers will see them take home the sixth seed since Pittsburgh already lost to Cincinnati last night. If they beat the Raiders, they will have to travel to Houston to take on the Texans, who have locked up the No. 4 seed in the AFC.