Could Brandon Staley's Week 18 mistake end up costing Chargers in Justin Herbert's maiden playoff appearance?

Brandon Staley and the Los Angeles Chargers are getting ready to face the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight in the wildcard round of the playoffs.

The two will square off in Jacksonville at 8:15 PM ET for the second time this season, with the Jaguars taking round one in Week 3, with a dominant 38-10 victory.

Heading into the playoffs, health is one of the most important components of preparing for a playoff game. The Chargers, though, will be without one of their best playmakers in wide receiver Mike Williams.

Williams suffered a lower back injury in the Chargers' season finale vs. the Denver Broncos and was carted off the field. Many Chargers fans feared that he would not be able to suit up for the first round of the playoffs.

As the week went on, he missed practice and was listed as questionable. On Thursday, January 13, Williams was ruled out as it was revealed that he had suffered a fracture in his back.

He will be out for at least the next two to three weeks.

While the Chargers had already secured a wildcard spot in the AFC, Brandon Staley decided that he was going to play his starters in a "meaningless" game to get the highest seed.

Staley said:

"Our approach is definitely going to be to try to win this ballgame and play as well as we can play heading into the playoffs. I think that there's certainly an advantage to being the 5-seed. From where I stand, so we’re going to try and get there."

This will be Staley's first playoff appearance as head coach and quarterback Justin Herbert's playoff debut as well.

Mike Williams' stats this season suggest Justin Herbert will have to carry Chargers on his back

Los Angeles Chargers v Indianapolis Colts

The Chargers will be without one of their two best receivers in Mike Williams.

Williams has played and started in 13 total this season. He recorded 63 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 14.2 yards per catch. He led the team in receiving yards and yards per catch.

However, wide receiver Keenan Allen will be active today. He missed the Week 3 matchup against the Jaguars.

If the Chargers lose, Staley will likely be on the hot seat, especially for playing his starters in a meaningless Week 18 game.