One year ago, the Los Angeles Chargers were destroyed by the New England Patriots 40-7 in Week 17 at Gillette Stadium.
One year ago, the Los Angeles Chargers were destroyed by the New England Patriots 40-7 in Week 17 at Gillette Stadium. Now, against a much better of the Patriots, it's back to Foxborough for a Wild Card clash.
The Patriots have been revolutionized by coach Mike Vrabel and look like a legitimate contender after the emergence of quarterback Drake Maye.
For the Chargers, it’s a chance for quarterback Justin Herbert to prove his worth by earning his first playoff win, while coach Jim Harbaugh has a chance to make another postseason run like he once displayed in San Francisco.
Here's a quick glance at Sunday's game:
TV: NBC
LAST TIME OUT: Chargers lost 19-3 at Denver in Week 18; Patriots defeated the Dolphins, 38-10, in Week 18.
LAST MEETING: Dec. 28, 2024, Chargers won 40-7 in New England.
VEGAS LINE (courtesy Westgate): New England -3.5 +100, O/U 45.5
BETTING TRENDS: The Chargers ended the season in losing skid of 0-2 SU and ATS. Those losses followed a four-game win streak both SU and ATS. The Patriots, who closed the season 3-0 SU and ATS, were 12-5 ATS and 11-6 O/U the entire season.
CHARGERS KEY PLAYERS: Quarterback Justin Herbert ranked tied for seventh with 26 TD passes, eighth with 340 completions and ninth with 3,727 yards passing during the regular season. Herbert had a TD pass in 15 games this season, one of five QBs to do so this season. He is aiming for his third in a row with a TD pass in the postseason. Running back Omarion Hampton ranked eighth among rookie backs this season with 737 scrimmage yards and five TDs. Hampton is one of five rookies with 60 or more scrimmage yards in at least eight games. He's aiming for his third straight game with a TD. Wide receiver Keenan Allen has 336 yards receiving and three TDs in five career playoff games. He had 75 yards receiving and a TD in the last playoff meeting (2019).
PROP TO WATCH: Herbert Over 29.5 rushing yards (+100)
Herbert relies on his legs often, especially in big games. He is smart enough to wait until it's necessary, and good enough to make things happen when he takes off. He's rushed for 20 or more yards in each of his first two playoff games, and with so much at stake in this one, it's conceivable he will go for at least 30 tonight.
PATRIOTS KEY PLAYERS: Quarterback Drake Maye ranked third with a career-high 31 TD passes and was fourth with a career-high 4,394 yards passing during the regular season. Maye has two or more TD passes in 11 games this season. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson had a career-high nine scrimmage TDs this season and is now aiming for his third straight with 100 or more scrimmage yards and fourth in a row with a TD. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs ranks fourth since 2015 with 909 yards receiving in the postseason. He had 100 or more yards receiving in two of his last three regular-season games.
PROP TO WATCH: Stevenson Over 40 yards rushing (+100)
Stevenson has turned his around tremendously, limiting his turnovers and upping his production. He hasn't fumbled and lost the ball since Week 5, and has rushed for 40 or more in five straight games. Since Week 13, he's averaging 63.8 yards rushing per game.
Category: General Sports
