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
Chargers Offensive Line Vs Patriots Front Seven
Im not a huge fan of Norton against Matthew Judon, but the rest of LAs offensive line should be able to survive against New Englands front. Rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater is playing at a near All-Pro level, and both left guard Matt Feiler and center Corey Linsley are among the best at their respective positions as well.
The Chargers didnt run the ball well to start the season, but theyve turned it around in recent weeks. The Patriots havent allowed big plays in the run game, but they are only middle of the pack in terms of overall success against the run.
Advantage: Chargers
Halftime Observations : 51 Pm
This game is following a familiar script, with the Patriots within reach of a quality opponent. After close losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, the team has discussed the importance of closing out games.
Mac Jones closed the half misfiring on several of his passes. He finished with a completion percentage of 36.4, which is well below his season average . Over New Englands three drives in the second quarter, Jones completed just 4 of his 16 pass attempts. His accuracy will have to improve in the second half.
Justin Herberts stat line isnt much better, completing 8 of his 15 pass attempts .
Also Check: How Many States Are Controlled By Republicans
Fansided: Chargers 27 Patriots 14
Owen Crisafulli writes: “New England will head out west for a matchup against the up and coming Chargers. Despite Justin Herbert showing tons of upside, the Chargers typically found themselves with the short end of the stick, and struggled through most of the season. With new head coach Brandon Staley taking charge, the revamped Chargers will slow down Pats, and pick up a big win.”
More:Arizona Cardinals favored to win every remaining game on 2021 NFL schedule
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.
Also Check: Is Npr Democratic Or Republican
Chargers Injury Updates : 54 Pm
The Chargers announced running back Justin Jackson is questionable to return with a quad injury. The team also downgraded cornerback Michael Davis to out with a hamstring injury.
Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is being evaluated for a possible concussion. Samuel Jr. had to be assisted off the field after getting shaken up when he laid out to try and make a play on NKeal Harrys 15-yard reception.
New England Patriots: Quick Takes On Solid Road Win Vs Chargers
The New England Patriots took a hard-earned win away against a good Los Angeles Chargers team, 27-24.
They started a bit slow. The Patriots played to a 7-7 tie in the first quarter. Not a bad start away for the visitors. OK.
After a big stop near the end of the first quarter highlighted by a big Matt Judon sack , the Patriots offense couldnt capitalize.
Rookie quarterback Mac Jones was sacked on the last play. That one he may have been able to avoid.
This was Jones worst day, by far, as a Patriot. Not great. Hes human, and, hard as it is to say, hes just a rookie, after all.
This space has been a top supporter all along. Maybe it was jet lag. Hope so. He was 8 of 22 in the first halfouch!
You May Like: How Many Democrats And Republicans Are In The House
Why The Patriots Won
The Patriots made the clutch plays when they needed to. Naturally, the pick-six falls under that category, but so does the 14-play drive on their following possession. After forcing a three-and-out by the Chargers, the Patriots would travel 54 yards and eventually kick a 30-yard field goal to go up by two scores. What was just as important as putting up points was the Patriots’ ability to bleed the clock down roughly seven minutes to give L.A. as little time as possible to get back into the contest. Various Patriots ball carriers were making the savvy decision of sliding in-bounds to keep the clock ticking as they moved down the field. That gave the Chargers only enough time for one touchdown drive and hope to recover an onside kick just to tie the game with a late field goal.
New England’s pass rush also came up big in this game, especially Matthew Judon, who continues to be the biggest free-agent addition of the offseason. He was constantly applying pressure and finished with 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits along with five tackles. On the day, the Patriots sacked Herbert three times and finished with a total of six quarterback hits.
Richard Hill: Deep Ball Is Key For Chargers Offense
Nick Wass/Associated Press
Richard Hill of Pats Pulpit wrote that the Patriots could run away with the game if the Chargers miss on their deep passes and Brady isnt pressured. The key to San Diegos deep passing game is the Rivers-to-Malcom Floyd connection. Hill said Floyd will get a few targets far down the field.
Floyd is a vital cog in the offense, although his role naturally lends itself to inconsistency. Sometimes, like in Oakland, hell dominate. Other times, like against St. Louis, hell be fairly quiet. Its pretty easy to tell when Mike McCoy and Frank Reich want to make Floyd a focal point. That might be the case in this game, where hell match up against gigantic Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner.
Hill said Browner will match up well as Floyd isnt a burner, although there is a possibility that the Patriots could take Floyd out with a third cornerback and safety help over the top.
Floyd isnt DeSean Jackson but does use his height and ball skills as nice substitutes. Browner has played better of late and doesnt have an issue with size.
In the end, Floyd should win this war, drawing a penalty or two and making the grabs needed with his route running.
Don’t Miss: How Many Presidents Were Democrats And Republicans
Not A Great Start To Second Half : 04 Pm
The Patriots put the ball on the ground to begin the second half. They started their opening drive with three straight run plays, and that strategy seemed to be working well. On the eighth play of the drive, Damien Harris weaved through the porous run defense and broke a tackle to find the end zone, but the 28-yard score was called back because of holding on offensive lineman Justin Herron, who entered the game for starting tackle Isaiah Wynn.
The penalty forced the Patriots away from running the ball. On a third and 14, Jones completed a short pass to Kendrick Bourne, well short of the first-down marker. But Bourne fought for extra yardage and fumbled. The Patriots have now lost six fumbles this season, which ranks second in the NFL.
Patriots At Chargers Odds Spread And Lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook access USA TODAY Sports betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:00 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Patriots +170 | Chargers -210
- Against the spread : Patriots +4.5 | Chargers -4.5
- Over/Under : 49.5
PLAY: Try our new, free daily Pickem Challenge and win. Play now!
Recommended Reading: Did Trump Call Republicans Stupid In 1998
Patriots Vs Chargers Prediction
The 2021 Patriots are starting to build a certain kind of reputation. Outside of their two blowout victories against the Jets, New England has either played up or down to its opponent.
New Englands games against the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Dolphins and Texans all came down to one score. Those four games were decided by a total of 12 points. Belichick knows how to prepare for a premier opponent, but has also laid eggs against the NFLs bottom-feeders.
It is tempting to take the Chargers at home off a bye, but 5.5 points is too many. This game will come down to the wire again and Ive seen projections that make this spread closer to 3 or 3.5.
Regardless of which team wins, I believe that this game will be decided by a field goal. Therefore, Id take the points in this spot.
Patriots vs. Chargers Prediction: Chargers 28, Patriots 27
Can Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers bounce back in Week 8 against the New England Patriots?
Something Out Of Nothing : 33 Pm
The final two minutes of the first half had the potential to go poorly for the Patriots. The offense went three and out, giving the Chargers another possession. But on the fourth play of their drive, LA quarterback Justin Herberts pass bounced off the hands of Austin Ekeler and into the arms of Patriots safety Adrian Phillips. The interception is Phillipss second of the season. The Patriots took over at the Chargers 40-yard line, but Mac Jones threw three straight incompletions, so they had to settle for a field goal once again.
This time, Nick Folk connected from 48 yards to cut the Chargers lead to 14-13 at halftime.
Also Check: Is Red The Color Of Republicans
Harris Scores For Patriots : 25 Pm
The Patriots responded with a touchdown of their own, scoring on their opening drive for the fourth straight game. The biggest gain came on a 44-yard reception by wide receiver Nelson Agholor, who said earlier this week that he and Jones have been working on their connection deep down the field. The throw traveled 37 yards, the most air yards on a pass by Jones this season.
Damien Harriss 1-yard touchdown run with 6:26 left in the first quarter has tied things up, 7-7.
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.”
Also Check: Us Senate Republicans Vs Democrats
Mike Reiss: Patriots’ Cbs Could Be The Difference In Qb Battle
In his stat-based preview of Chargers vs. Patriots, ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss pointed out that Philip Rivers has a career record of 0-5 versus Tom Brady. He also said both quarterbacks are at their best late in the season, with the December win percentages of Brady and Rivers being among the best all-time.
The Chargers often pick it up in December after a slow start. Rivers becomes more efficient, and the running game starts to heat up much like it did last season. Rivers record against Brady is surprising, as San Diego has played New England close in the playoffs.
Reiss also said the Patriots could be a tough matchup for the talented Chargers receiving corps. The Patriots rank second behind the Seahawks with a 0.73 touchdown-to-interception ratio on passes intended for receivers, according to Reiss.
There is always the possibility of a shootout with these two quarterbacks, but Darrelle Revis and Co. will prevent the game from getting out of hand. It will be tougher for the Chargers defense, which is vulnerable in the secondary past Brandon Flowers and Eric Weddle.
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.
Recommended Reading: Democrats Founded The Kkk
Best Bet: Over 49 Total Points At Sugarhouse
Wager: 0.25 Units
This total opened way down at 46.5 per our NFL gameday odds, but has since been bet up. Im expecting it to move even more, so Id grab this line ASAP before it does.
However, the majority of the money is coming in on the under. We characterize that as reverse line movement, and its a profitable bet signal.
The Patriots have been a popular under team this season, considering their conservative offensive approach and stifling defense. However, the over has hit in three straight games for the Patriots, and I love their chances to put points on the board against the Chargers lackluster front seven.
Meanwhile, I dont have to explain to you what the Chargers can do on offense. They rank top-10 in EPA per play and are scoring more than 25 points per game.
I dont think theres a lot of value in this number, so Id like to keep this play smaller. However, the value is with the over, which Id play up to 50.
Los Angeles Chargers Vs New England Patriots Nfl Week 8 Odds Plays And Insights
Check out odds, plays and more for the Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots NFL Week 8 matchup on October 31, 2021.
The Los Angeles Chargers are 5-point favorites heading into their matchup on Sunday, October 31, 2021 against the New England Patriots . A total of 49.5 points has been set for this game.
For more great betting and fantasy insight, join the SI Winners Club Newsletter.
Also Check: Did Trump Call Republicans Stupid In 1998
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
Week 8 Nfl Picks For Chargers Vs Patriots
Before entering any Patriots vs. Chargers picks, you’ll want to see the NFL predictions from the advanced computer model at SportsLine. The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up almost $7,700 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago. The model enters Week 8 of the 2021 season on an incredible 126-85 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season.
The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past five years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94 percent of CBS Sports Football Pick’em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.
For Chargers vs. Patriots, the model projects New England to cover the 3.5-point spread in nearly 60 percent of simulations. Prior to laying an egg in the cross-country trip to Baltimore in Week 6, the Chargers had been 4-1 overall and against the spread in 2021. In all three of New England’s wins this season, the Patriots have also covered.
The major concern for the Chargers is the availability of running back Austin Ekeler. He appeared on the injury report midweek with a hip injury coming out of the bye, and hasn’t practiced all week. Ekeler has said he’ll play but it’s a good bet that he’ll be less than 100 percent.
Recommended Reading: Why Does Donald Trump Wear Red Ties
Three Things To Watch
1. Keep Mac Jones cleanWe’re lookin’ your direction Pats O-line. You guys need to literally keep the young man’s uniform clean with good protection in the pocket. Jones has taken 44 hits, a number surpassed by only three other quarterbacks. Though he also is beginning to warm to the chore here, putting together back-to-back games with a 100-plus passer rating. He went for 307 passing yards and a 111.7 rating last week against the Jets. Love this stat: Jones is just the second quarterback in NFL history to hit on 70-plus percent of his passes and 250-plus yards per game in his first seven career starts.
On Sunday, he’ll be facing one of the best pass rushes in the league as the Chargers are sixth in QB pressures and have 13 sacks in six games. Conversely, the Patriots have allowed 14 sacks this season. Jones also will be throwing against the fifth-best pass defense in the league, with Los Angeles holding teams to 201 yards per game so far. Defensively, the Chargers should be better with both Joey Bosa and Derwin James Jr. healthy for this one.
2. Oh you know, just do what Baltimore didOy vey. The biggest red flag of the Chargers’ blowout loss to the Ravens belonged to their moribund rush defense, which is officially last in the NFL, allowing 163 yards per game and a hearty 5.4 yards per carry. That’s what made Baltimore’s demolition so tough to watch for Lightning Bolt fans.
