5 NFL teams that must win in Week 13

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers calls out offensive signals against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are charging their way to a playoff position, no pun intended. Last week the Chargers defeated the Cardinals, as they should, and moved a step closer to closing in on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Winning the division is unlikely, given how well the Chiefs are playing this season, but the Chargers are still in position to earn a wild-card spot.

This weekend the Chargers travel to Pittsburgh to take on the high-octane Steelers led by Antonio Brown and James Conner. A win for the Chargers would guarantee them a top-two record in the AFC, behind only the Chiefs and Patriots. They hold their future in their own hands, controlling their destiny.

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The Steelers are a tough match, but the Chargers defense should be able to do enough to contain them. With Joey Bosa back in the fold, the Chargers pass rush is more dynamic than before and the secondary is still supremely talented. If there is any team in the AFC to contain the Steelers high-flying offense, it would be the Chargers.

A win, and the Chargers are nearly a lock to make the playoffs. A loss, and their positioning becomes a lot less stable. Without Melvin Gordon, are the Chargers capable of going on the road and defeating the Steelers? Only time will tell.