Expert prediction
AFC Wild Card: LA Chargers vs. New England Patriots Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 11)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Chargers vs. Patriots odds favor New England at -200.
- Drake Maye is one of the top NFL MVP candidates.
- LAC lost back-to-back games.
The Chargers even had a chance to win the division, while the Pats could have topped the whole conference if it weren’t for the loss to the Bills at home. They now meet in the AFC Wild Card round.
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How to Watch
- When: Sunday, January 11, 8 pm ET
- Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- How to Watch: NBC, Peacock
Chargers vs. Patriots Odds
Game Preview
LAC had a nice stretch until two weeks ago, when they first lost at home to the Texans, 20-16, and then on the road to the Broncos, 19-3. Though in the latter, they rested key players.
Justin Herbert carries this team on his back because he runs often and gets beaten up because the Chargers don’t have a dominant running back. Plus, he was sacked 54 times, one fewer than the leaders in this category.
Drake Maye could easily win the NFL MVP award this year. He threw 4.394 passing yards for 31 touchdowns and 8 picks. Maye ran for 450 yards too, and 4 touchdowns, fumbling the ball twice.
The Patriots have the 2nd-best offense in the league, 28.8 points, and the 4th-best defense, 18.8 points per game. So, it’s not odd to see them at 14-3 after 17 games.
Chargers vs. Patriots Head to Head
LA Chargers won the last two meetings, but overall, the record is on the Pats’ side, 27-12-2. Last year, LAC beat the Pats 40-7 in Foxborough.
Chargers vs. Patriots Predictions
Herbert will be an easy target for the Pats’ defense, and we expect the home team to win this one and cover the 3.5-point spread.
- Free NFL Picks: Patriots -3.5
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