For the first time since the 2008 and 2009 seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers have made consecutive playoff appearances.
In his two seasons as head coach of the franchise, Jim Harbaugh has turned the team around and has a good possibility of making it to the Super Bowl. LA will face off against the New England Patriots in the AFC wildcard round on Sunday.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has been dealing with a fracture in his non-throwing hand, but was sidelined the final week of the regular season to keep him well-rested for the playoffs.
There is much on the line for multiple players on the Chargers, especially for Herbert, who is still without a playoff win in his career so far.
But one NFL analyst believes a defender on the Bolts has the most on the line in the playoffs.
Bolts Defender With Most On The Line
GettyChargers traded for a pass rusher in the middle of the season
The Chargers’ pass rush has been on a slight decline this season despite having a couple of highlights on defense, including Tuli Tuipulotu , who leads the team in sacks.
The defense has an opportunity to take advantage of a Patriots offensive line that has been dealing with injuries late into the season.
One of those players who should take advantage is EDGE rusher Odafe Oweh , who was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the season. The defender is in the final year of his rookie contract and will need a top performance in the playoffs to secure a handsome deal in the 2026 offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport listed the Los Angeles pass rusher who has a lot to prove in the playoffs.
“Odafe Oweh was once a highly regarded prospect. In 2021, the Baltimore Ravens selected the former Penn State standout in the first round. And when Oweh racked up 10 sacks last year, it appeared the lightbulb had come on,” Davenport wrote.”However, the Ravens decided he was not part of their long-term plans, and after five games (and two starts) without a sack in 2025, he was shipped to the Los Angeles Chargers…”
“The 27-year-old has made just two more starts since joining the Bolts… But Oweh has made the most of his 347 snaps in Los Angeles, logging 7.5 sacks. If the Chargers wish, they certainly have the money to re-up Oweh… Tuipulotu broke out this season with 13 sacks, but [Khalil] Mack is 34 years old and nearing the end of the line. But if the Chargers can knock off the Patriots in the Wild Card Round and Oweh continues his regular-season per-snap productivity, he could be one of the NFL’s most coveted free agents at a premium position.”
Oweh has been a major addition to the Chargers’ defense, especially in a season where Mack was dealing with an elbow injury that sidelined him for multiple games.
The defender has registered 30.5 sacks throughout his career, including a season high of 10 sacks in the 2024-25 season, showing he can knock down opposing quarterbacks.
But a slow start to this season derailed the player from what appeared to be a guaranteed payday. While he has ramped up the pressure sign being traded to LA, a solid performance in the playoffs would set him up for a good free agency market.
Odafe Oweh In The Playoffs
GettyOdafe Oweh has played 12 games for the Chargers
Adding Odafe Oweh gives the LA Chargers some more playoff experience, as this will be the pass rusher’s fourth trip to the playoffs after making the previous three with the Ravens.
Oweh has featured in five playoff games throughout his career, logging 2 sacks and 7 total tackles.
Looking to have a market in free agency, the former Raven will likely be on top of his game against the Patriots.
Drake Maye has been sacked 47 times this season, the 10th-highest among quarterbacks this season, which should be a good sign that the Bolts D-line could reach the second-year QB.
Wanting to prove not just himself, but the entire team, Odafe Oweh will need to make Maye’s game uncomfortable from the get-go.
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