The New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers will face off Sunday afternoon in Foxborough with a trip to the AFC Championship game on the line. The Patriots are currently four-point favorites with the total set at 45.5. The Patriots have won the last four games played between the two teams. Last year when these two teams played Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 21-13 victory. Let’s take a look at Pickswise Chargers vs. Patriots Odds & Prediction.
Los Angeles Chargers
Don’t sleep on the Los Angeles Chargers who have a better record than the New England Patriots but had to play in Wild Card Weekend because they are in the same conference as the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers come into this game having won two games in a row and six of their last seven games with the only loss during that stretch coming against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Chargers are strong on both sides of the ball, but it can be argued that the defense is actually better than offense, even though Phillip Rivers and his crew gets most of the attention.
On the season they are giving up only 20.4 points per game and on the road they are actually a bit better giving up only 19.6 points per game.
On the offensive side they are led by Rivers and are averaging 26.5 points per game and on the road that number rises to 27.2 points per game.
New England Patriots
On the other side of this matchup is the New England Patriots who are the second seed in the AFC so they got a bye during Wild Card Weekend.
The Patriots haven’t been as impressive as years past but this time of the year is when Bill Belichick and Tom Brady step up to the plate.
On the season the Patriots are averaging 27.2 points per game led by Brady. Brady so far this year has thrown for 4,335 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He isn’t throwing for as many yards but still seems to be making the key throws when they need to be made.
On the defensive side the Patriots defense is solid giving up only 20.3 points per game and at home that number gets even better giving up only 16.6.
The question for the Patriots in this game is how good will the defense do against Rivers. A shootout is probably not what the Patriots want so they need to try and keep this low scoring.
Trends
Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 playoff road games. Patriots are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Divisional Playoffs games. Patriots are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win of more than 14 points.
Under is 4-0 in Chargers last 4 playoff games. Under is 5-0 in Chargers last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 6-1 in Chargers last 7 games following a ATS win. Over is 8-0-1 in Patriots last 9 Divisional Playoffs games. Under is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 home games. Under is 5-0 in Patriots last 5 games on fieldturf.
Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings. Chargers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
