Pro Football Network: Chargers 27 Patriots 21
Ben Rolfe writes: “The Patriots had their fun at the expense of the Jets in Week 7, but now it is back to reality. At this point, the Chargers are simply in a different tier from the Patriots in the AFC. Bill Belichick will need to outcoach Brandon Staley and hope Los Angeles comes off its bye week flat if New England is going to sneak out a win here.”
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Sportsnaut: Chargers Will Beat Patriots In Week 8
It writes: “The Los Angeles Chargers have taken the next step, becoming one of the best teams in the NFL. With a healthy offensive line, a great cast of weapons and an elite quarterback, all of the pieces are in place to storm through the Patriots defense. If the Chargers lose, it will likely be due to the teams inability to stop the run.”
New England Patriots At Los Angeles Chargers
Youmans: In an obvious coaching mismatch last year, Bill Belichick went to Los Angeles and crushed the Anthony Lynn-led Chargers 45-0. The Patriots were one-point underdogs in that matchup, which turned into the worst outing of Chargers quarterback Justin Herberts brief career.
Each team looks much different now, and the Chargers are definitely better with Brandon Staley in charge. Belichick still has a significant coaching edge, however, and his quarterback situation is much improved. Mac Jones has completed 70.4% of his passes and just led the offense to a 54-point performance against the Jets.
The Chargers are not the hapless Jets, of course, but the Chargers do have the leagues worst run defense by giving up 162.5 yards per game. New Englands rushing attack is gaining steam behind Damien Harris, so the Patriots are capable of controlling the game by exploiting their advantage on the ground.
Pick: Patriots +5.5
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Key Players For Los Angeles
- Justin Herbert has been a dual threat to lead Los Angeles in both passing and rushing. He has 1,771 passing yards, completing 65.4% of his passes and throwing 14 touchdown passes and four interceptions this season. Hes rushed for 72 yards on 21 carries with one rushing touchdown.
- Austin Ekeler has carried the ball 73 times for a team-high 356 yards with four scores. He has also caught 27 passes for 242 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
- Mike Williams leads his squad with 498 yards as a receiver. Hes racked up that yardage on 33 catches and scored six touchdowns.
- Keenan Allen has put together a 419-yard season so far with one touchdown, hauling in 39 passes on 58 targets.
Sportnaut: Patriots 24 Chargers 20
Vincent Frank writes: “Its absolutely mind-boggling what rookie quarterback Justin Herbert has done through nine NFL starts. That includes the Oregon product throwing for over 3,000 yards with 23 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Just think about that for a second. Averaged over a 16-game schedule, this would have Herbert on pace for 4,800 yards with 39 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Unfortunately, the Chargers sit at 3-8 under the leadership of embattled head coach Anthony Lynn. As for the Patriots, they found a way to get it right this past Sunday against Arizona. Despite Cam Newton tallying less than 70 net passing yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions, New England came out on top by the score of 20-17. Its defense held up big time en route to keeping the team in playoff contention. Expect a huge Week 13 win for Bill Belichick and Co.”
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New England Patriots Vs Los Angeles Chargers Betting Odds
Betting TrendsChargers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite Patriots are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Patriots are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games Patriots are 0-7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game
The PickAs tempting as it is to take Belichick and the points here after last week, the Chargers are definitely the play. Theres no better time to fade an unestablished rookie quarterback than on the road coming off a 40 plus point victory. I think the Patriots are wildly overvalued heading into this game and that the Chargers passing attack is far too much for a Patriots secondary that, despite all the hype, is dead average at the moment. The absence of Devin McCourty at safety is only going to make life that much easier for Justin Herbert, and I dont think the Patriots offense has the firepower to keep pace. The only thing that gives me pause heading into this one is the Chargers lackluster run defense that has shown it can be pounded on. If New England has success running the ball early, I think it will be an interesting game. Otherwise, I like the Chargers by more than 10.
My prediction: Chargers win 36-30
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Location: Gillette Stadium Foxborough, MATV Coverage: CBS
Los Angeles Chargers Analysis
Though the last memory of the Chargers on the field was a bludgeoning at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, its safe to say that this season has been a pleasant surprise for fans of the bolts so far. With over 350 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season, Austin Eckler has staked his claim as a legitimate starter at running back in a division that has increasingly struggled in rush offense. Their risk it for the biscuit brand of football puts them in position to win games theyve been outplayed in, and it looks like Brandon Staley can really coach. Perhaps most importantly, Justin Herbert has continued to build on his momentum from last year, establishing himself as a top tier quarterback in the NFL.
Herbert enters the weekend ninth in MVP odds and top 10 in the league in nearly every major stat ranging from touchdowns to QBR to interceptions or lack thereof. The offense has centered around him in every major way, often asking him to make big plays on third and fourth downs to get them out of bad spots. In their 5 point win over Cleveland in week 5, we saw these heroics on full display as two late game fourth down conversions strung together a touchdown drive that helped push them over the top. In their 28 point loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, however, we saw a regression to the mean on these heroics as Herbert was unable to convert a majority of third downs, some of which occurred in short yardage situations.
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Mac Jones Vs Chargers Defense
In doing my weekly research for the rookie QB rankings, Ive watched every snap of Jones young career multiple times. Hes playing great football, particularly in regard to what is asked of him in New Englands offense.
Meanwhile, the Chargers defense ranks in the middle of the pack. Given that their strengths are Joey Bosa and the secondary, I doubt we see many downfield shots from Jones this week unless the Patriots get down early and have to press. That favors Jones, who has played beyond his years processing the field in the quick game.
The Chargers are a great football team, but they have some soft spots on defense.
Advantage: Patriots
Wsn: Go With The Patriots
Mike Lukas writes: “The 5-6 New England Patriots stole a win in Week 12 over the Cardinals despite their quarterback Cam Newton not having an excellent game , and now HC Bill Belichicks team finds itself on the playoff bubble three spots out, so it will be a must-win situation for the rest of the season, including against these tricky Chargers. Nobody figured a rookie QB in Los Angeles could have a big season, but Justin Herbert is proving to be a huge asset to the Chargers, right now with 3,000+ passing yards and 23 touchdowns with just 7 picks, great numbers for a first year hurler though probably not good enough to get his team one of the three AFC Wild Card playoff spots available. This game will be close, but the Patriots defense should hold and cover this narrow spread, the Chargers unable to outscore a rebounding Newton.”
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Betting Line And Game Prediction
The Chargers vs. Patriots game is currently a 5.5-point spread favoring the Chargers. I think thats a bit too generous toward Los Angeles. With the way New Englands offensive line has played, I think theyll be able to control the clock and move the ball with relative ease.
This feels like a game between two evenly-matched teams, with each having significant advantages over the other in certain areas. Its one of my favorite matchups of Week 8. I think Belichick can and will do what he can to make Herbert second-guess himself.
In fact, Im not just going to call the Patriots to cover, but to win the game outright!
Chargers vs. Patriots Prediction: Patriots 24, Chargers 23
Dalton Miller is the Lead NFL Analyst at Pro Football Network. You can read more of his workhere and Twitch.
Nfl Week 8 Game Recap: New England Patriots 27 Los Angeles Chargers 24
Inglewood, California, USA New England Patriots running back Damien Harris carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Chargers 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Although the New England Patriots trailed for most of the game, they outplayed the Los Angeles Chargers and it started to show as the game progressed. The Patriots dominated possession in the second half and scored 11 unanswered points in the final quarter to secure a 27-24 victory.
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Pick For Chargers Vs Patriots
Bet split data from regulated betting sites paired with an in-depth games analysis favors the Chargers to cover the spread against the Patriots.
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Best Odds For Chargers Vs Patriots
Welcome to the BestOdds betting breakdown where we use data from our industry leading partner, Sportradar, to identify performance trends in order to analyze teams chances in the upcoming game.
Today, we are looking at the NFL matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots in which bettors are fairly split as to which team will cover the spread, with both the total stake and number of wagers placed for the teams are nearly even. The Chargers currently hold the slight edge in overall stake at sportsbooks.
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New England Patriots Vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction And Preview
Justin Herbert and the Chargers come off of their bye looking to rebound from their most recent loss when they host the Patriots
Uh-oh, look out NFL. It appears as if Bill Belichick and Mac Jones might finally be figuring out this life without Tom Brady thing. Did you see that dismantling of the Jets last Sunday? Jones, who has arguably had a better rookie season than the four QBs that were drafted before him, looked like a seasoned veteran in a summer scrimmage as New England boat raced to a comfy 54-13 win.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Chargers have had two weeks to lick their sizable wounds after getting pounded by a 34-6 count against Baltimore two Sundays ago. The loss wasn’t shocking. The manner was.
These two teams come in off of differing results, and differing timelines. Patriots impressive. Chargers well-rested. Let’s tee it up.
Patriots Offensive Line Vs Chargers Front Seven
The Patriots offensive line has begun to dominate over the past few weeks since getting a bit healthier. Michael Onwenu is a stud and Isaiah Wynn is a solid left tackle. The interior separated itself in the run game against New York and Dallas.
The Chargers dont have the ability to defend against this upcoming slaughter. Unless New Englands entire offensive line has a rash of food poisoning before the game, theyre going to politely walk this Los Angeles defensive line down the field with ease.
Advantage: Patriots
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Justin Herbert Vs Patriots Secondary
Herbert struggled to say the least in last seasons meeting against New England. Luckily for him, this time around the Patriots are not as deep in the secondary. The Patriots traded All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers in week 5 earlier this season, and star slot corner Jonathan Jones underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Monday. The Patriots secondary is no pushover, however, with star corner J.C. Jackson, coming off 14 interceptions in the 2019 and 2020 combined. This being said, Herbert should be able to target some of the weaknesses in the Patriots secondary. This may include the veteran Jalen Mills, who has made the transition from corner to safety, now back for New England. Mills also had the game-winning touchdown scored on him in overtime in the Patriots vs Cowboys game. This will be a big factor with All-Pro Keenan Allen and breakout star Mike Williams.
New England Patriots Vs Los Angeles Chargers Matchup Preview
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots fly out to the city of angels this weekend to take on an improved Los Angeles Chargers team in whatll be one of the marquee matchups this Halloween Sunday at SoFi. The Patriots enter the weekend coming off a 41 point thumping of the Jets, while the Chargers cruise in off an early bye. As we near the halfway mark of the NFL season, this game has the potential to pose serious playoff implications moving forward. A Patriots victory puts them in position to make an AFC wildcard push while a loss significantly diminishes their chances of making the playoffs for the second straight year in the post-Tom Brady era. A Chargers victory, on the other hand, places them all alone atop the AFC West, while a loss momentarily knocks them back down to the wild card race. In a rematch of last years 45 point Patriot beatdown, Justin Herbert also looks to avenge arguably the worst performance of his young career.
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Patriots Weapons Vs Chargers Defensive Backs
You could ask me how New Englands weapons match up against a wet paper bag, and I might consider the paper bag.
That is obviously hyperbole, but aside from Jakobi Myers , Im not sure they have a pass catcher who would start on 20+ other teams. The Chargers defense, meanwhile, fields Chris Harris Jr., Asante Samuel Jr., and Derwin James. According to reports, Nasir Adderley appears healthy enough to play against the Patriots, but its anyones guess how effective hell be.
Tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith could really open New Englands passing attack, along with the slew of backs they use as pass catchers.
Still, from a player vs. player perspective, the advantage is clear.
Advantage: Chargers
Key Matchups: Los Angeles Chargers Vs New England Patriots
Coming into week 8, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves sitting at a pleasant 4-2 record coming off of their bye week. They host the 3-4 New England Patriots, coming off a dominant win against the New York Jets. The Chargers, on the other hand, lost 34-6 to the Baltimore Ravens prior to their bye week. Will the Chargers be able to bounce back after being dominated by the Ravens?
Last season, these two teams faced off in week 13 and the Patriots won in a 45-0 rout in Sofi Stadium. This included two special teams touchdowns for the Patriots and a two-interception performance from Justin Herbert.
With that being said, lets take a look at the key matchups that will impact this game, as the Chargers look to get a big win this time around.
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Justin Herbert Vs Patriots Defense
We believe Justin Herbert to be one of the great young quarterbacks in the entire league. Bill Belichick will do everything in his power to confuse the young gunslinger, and if anyone is up to the task, its Bill.
However, Herberts ability to make big plays when things break down around him makes it difficult to throw too much pressure at him. Playing Cover 1 or Cover 0 behind a blitz will be tough, especially with Allen and Williams to defend.
Advantage: Chargers
Patriots Vs Chargers Prediction Week 8
As we noted earlier, this is a much different Chargers squad. Brandon Staley is establishing himself as one of the best young coaches in the NFL. The same can be said for Herbert in regard to the quarterback position. The 23-year-old star is clearly reaping the benefits of LAs overhauled offensive line.
The Patriots secondary, which just lost Jonathan Jones for the year and was already without Stephon Gilmore, could have its hands full trying to cover the likes of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Jared Cook.
On the flip side, the Chargers defense isnt a world-beater. The Patriots offense, whose confidence is likely sky-high after scoring 54 points, should be able to do some damage and keep this close throughout.
This could go either way, but were picking the Chargers to hold serve at home. Staley will have his players ready to rock after the bye and the Patriots only three wins have come against the Jets and Texans.
Chargers 28, Patriots 24.
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