Patriots vs Chargers

By Scott Burgess
Kickoff: Sun, Jan 20, 2008 3:00 PM ET

The New England Patriots(-14) host the San Diego Chargers(+14), at Gillette Stadium, for a chance to be crowned AFC Champions and play in Super Bowl XLII.

The New England Patriots(17-0) continued on their perfect season with a 31-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. QB Tom Brady was almost perfect throwing 26/28 for 262 YDS with 3 TD. RB Lawrence Maroney had 22 ATT for 122 YDS and all the Pats receivers had double digit YDS. Strangely enough WR Randy Moss had only 1 REC for 14 YDS. The Pats and the Brady Bunch will be throwing and running all over the Chargers. They just have too many options for Brady to throw to. Their RUSH game, currently ranked 13th, will need to pick up the pace against the Chargers 16th ranked RUSH defense. Last week the Chargers held the Colts to a low 50 RUSH YDS.

The San Diego Chargers(13-5) upset the Indianapolis Colts 28-24 on the road. QB Philip Rivers was 14/19 for 264 YDS with 3 TD. He was injured late in the game and backup QB Billy Volek finished off the game going 3/4 for 48 YDS with 1 TD. RB LaDianian Tomlinson was sidelined with a knee injury in the first half and is expected to play Sunday. If the Chargers want any chance of beating the Pats, they're going to have to bring everything they got. They'll have to use their 7th ranked RUSH game against the Pats 9th ranked RUSH defense. Even though the Chargers passed the ball a lot, they're 26th overall and they'll be in trouble against the Pats 6th ranked PASS defense. The Chargers are 5-4 on the road and they aren't known for playing good in cold weather.

Bottom Line: The Patriots will continue on their perfect season and advance into the Super Bowl. They just have too many weapons going up against a banged up Chargers team. Go Patriots!