The Los Angeles Chargers are heading on the road to take on the New England Patriots this week. The Chargers are coming off a double-digit comeback against their division rival Denver Broncos 34-27. As for the Patriots, they are coming off a tough loss. They lost to the Buffalo Bills after having a 14-point lead early on in the game. This should be a fun game to watch. Will the Chargers carry on their momentum from the last game or will the Patriots break their five-game losing streak and pull off the upset? Let’s jump straight into this game and cook up a winner!
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Los Angeles Chargers | -4.5 (-110) | Over 43.5 (-102) | -215 |
| New England Patriots | +4.5 (-110) | Under 43.5 (-120) | +180 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots Match Details
- Fixture: Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
- Date and Time: December 28th, 2024 @ 1 PM EST
Key Stats
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a big-time divisional win last week against the Denver Broncos 34-27. Justin Herbert was excellent by completing 23 of 31 passes for 284 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. Ladd McConkey caught 6 passes for 87 yards. He has put up a great campaign in his rookie season. Gus Edwards had a great game with 14 carries for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns. This was the first time in Herbert’s career when trailing by 10+ points in a game. That big win increased their chances of making the playoffs this season.
The Chargers have had one of the best defenses in the NFL all season. For the season, they are ranked 1st in points allowed per game, 15th in passing yards allowed per game, 17th in rushing yards allowed per game, 1st in offensive touchdowns allowed, 7th in sacks, and 13th in takeaways per game.
In terms of injuries, LA has a few. JK Dobbins is questionable for the first time since being placed on injury reserve and will return soon. Gus Edwards, Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, and Denzel Perryman, are also key players to monitor as they are listed as questionable. The Chargers are looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2021.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are coming off a heartbreaking loss last week to the Buffalo Bills. They blew a 14-point lead to lose the game 24-21. Drake Maye had a solid game on the road. He completed 22 of 36 passes for 261 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. Kayshon Boutte had his best game of the season. He caught 5 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Rhamondre Stevenson led the team in rushing yards with 60 yards on 12 carries. He also scored a rushing touchdown. If they could have held onto their lead, they would have pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season.
This Patriots’ defense has been below average all season long. They are ranked 24th in points allowed per game, 12th in passing yards allowed per game, 24th in rushing yards allowed per game, 23rd in offensive touchdowns allowed, 20th in sacks, and 28th in takeaways per game.
There are a few key players to monitor entering this game. Marcus Jones, Kyle Dugger, Jahlani Tavai, Jabrill Peppers, Ben Brown, and Caedan Wallace are all listed as questionable. At this point in the season, this team has nothing to play for, except for pride. New England needs an offseason or two to rebuild what was once a dominant team.
Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers are going to beat the New England Patriots and cover the 4.5-point spread in this game. I expect the Chargers’ dominant defense to stifle the Patriots’ young offense and rookie quarterback. Drake Maye has been good in his rookie campaign, but this is the best defense he has faced this season. LA is looking to make the playoffs for the first time in three years and a win would almost guarantee it. I expect Justin Herbert to continue the momentum from the last game and come out on fire and take advantage of this moment. The Chargers win and cover a semi-low-scoring game.
