Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10): (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Another slate of NFL games equals at least three more terrible calls with playoff implications. Thankfully, the officials didn’t directly impact a playoff spot, or seeding.
The worst calls from Week 18 were rather simple — a surprise given the pure number of playoff spots on the line.
The AFC and NFC playoff fields are set, and an extra postseason spot means officials will have at least one more chance to ruin the NFL’s tournament of champions.
Here’s the Wild Card weekend playoff schedule:
Saturday, Jan. 15:
- Raiders at Bengals, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Patriots at Bills, 8:15 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 16
- Eagles at Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m. ET
- 49ers at Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Steelers at Chiefs, 8:15 p.m. ET
Monday, Jan. 17
- Cardinals at Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET
Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders did not agree to simply play for the tie in overtime, thus making them the last team out in the AFC, and NFL Playoffs in general. The Raiders and Steelers instead made the postseason.
3 worst calls from Week 18: Raiders draw pass interference
Zay Jones deserves an Oscar for his performance on Sunday night against the Chargers. In a tie-and-you’re-in scenario, both the Chargers and Raiders could’ve simply knelt on the ball from the start of the game. Instead, both teams went for the win, with the Raiders eventually winning in overtime as time expired. It was an excruciating loss for the Chargers and their fans, wasting a miraculous comeback.
In the first half, it was Jones who drew contact on a Chargers defensive back. While the contact is obvious, the ball wasn’t nearly catchable, which is technically necessary for pass interference to take place.
Where did that ball land?
Oh, sheesh. The opposite corner of the end zone, no less!