Derwin James: Everything you need to know

James recorded four tackles (three solo) in the 16-3 wild-card loss to the Patriots on Sunday. James technically played 16 games for a third straight campaign, but the veteran was held out of Week 18 for rest purposes. While the 28-year-old put together arguably one of his healthiest seasons of his career, he wasn't quite as impactful at least in terms of splash plays, finishing with just two sacks after averaging close to four over the past three years. The now five-time Pro Bowler made up for that by tying his career high with three interceptions en route to second-team All-Pro honors for the third time in his career. The possible departure of head coach candidate and wunderkind defensive coordinator Jessie Minter might impact Los Angeles' defense as a whole next year, but James is unquestionably one of the NFL's elite at the safety position right now.

James (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos. The Chargers are resting several key starters for Week 18, so James will get an extra week of rest before the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs. With Elijah Molden (hamstring) also inactive, RJ Mickens and Tony Jefferson are poised to serve as the Chargers' starting safeties for Sunday's regular-season finale. James will conclude the 2025 regular season with 94 tackles (50 solo), including 2.0 sacks, seven pass defenses (three interceptions) and one forced fumble across 16 games.

James logged eight tackles (five solo) and an interception during the Chargers' 20-16 loss to the Texans on Saturday. James picked off a C.J. Stroud pass that was tipped near the line of scrimmage, which the Chargers offense converted into a 27-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker six plays later. It was James' third interception of the season, two of which have come over his last three games. The veteran safety is up to 94 combined tackles through 16 regular-season games, and Week 18 against the Broncos presents James the opportunity to reach the tackling century mark for the fifth time in his eight-year NFL career.