Will Jim Harbaugh play starters against Raiders? Chargers HC makes decision for Justin Herbert and Co. 

In Week 17, the Los Angeles Chargers ended their two-year wait for a playoff berth with a 40-7 thrashing of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. With their spot in the postseason secured, many pondered whether the Chargers would field their starting in their regular-season final against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Most teams in LA's position would bench their star players to avoid risking them suffering an injury before Wildcard Weekend. However, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh isn't worried about it. On the "Let's Go Podcast", host Jim Gray asked him whether he'd rest his starters against the Raiders:

"We're going to be playing to win at all times," Harbaugh responded. "That never changes. I like what Derwin James said, he's our captain... He said, 11 wins sounds better than 10. So we're, we're attacking it.

"We're attacking it with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. The thing that doesn't resonate right now is, you know, play the backups. What are we going to do? Dress 25 guys for the game?" he added.

Chargers Playoff Path: Jim Harbaugh's LA eye No. 5 seed

As things stand, the Chargers will open their playoff campaign on the road against the Baltimore Ravens in what could be a duel between brothers Jim and John Harbaugh. The siblings have battled thrice in the NFL with the older brother John coming out on top each time.

As intriguing as a fourth duel between the Harbaugh brothers would be, the Wildcard Weekend doesn't seem like the ideal setting, and Jim Harbaugh seemingly agrees. He's keen on starting the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and put them on a collision course in the AFC Championship Game.

For that to happen, the Ravens will have to beat the Cleveland Browns while the Cincinnati Bengals, who need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, will have to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. If these two results happen, the Chargers could usurp Pittsburgh in the AFC standings with a win over the Raiders on Sunday.

However, if things don't pan out as Harbaugh hopes they will, a battle against his brother and a chance to beat him for the first time in four tries would be a challenge he'll readily welcome on Wild Card Weekend.