Chargers vs. Patriots Prediction, Who Will Take the Win in This Week 17 Matchup?
Chargers vs. Patriots Week 17 Preview: Will Los Angeles Continue Their Playoff Push?
The Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, 10-5 ATS) will take on the New England Patriots (3-12, 6-8-1 ATS) in a crucial Week 17 showdown that could have playoff implications for Los Angeles. Set for a Saturday afternoon kickoff, this inter-conference clash will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where the Chargers will aim to maintain their momentum, while the Patriots fight to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat.
Chargers Playoff Push: Aiming for Consistency
The Chargers have rebounded from a rocky patch and now find themselves in position for a wildcard spot in the AFC. With a 95% chance of making the playoffs, the team is looking to solidify their position and possibly climb higher in the rankings. After dropping two straight games, including a humbling 40-17 loss to the Buccaneers, the Chargers bounced back with a solid 34-27 victory over the Broncos, covering the 2.5-point spread in the process. Los Angeles has covered in three of their last five contests.
Justin Herbert continues to be the cornerstone of the Chargers’ offense. Herbert had a stellar 284-yard passing performance last week, and on the season, he has accumulated 3,243 passing yards with an impressive 18 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions. While the Chargers’ offense has been inconsistent, scoring 23 or fewer points in four of their last five games, Herbert’s leadership has been crucial.
Running back J.K. Dobbins has been out for the last month with a knee injury and remains questionable for this game. Gus Edwards, who has taken on a larger role, will miss the game due to an ankle injury. Edwards has rushed for 365 yards on the season, and his absence could limit the Chargers’ ability to establish the ground game. However, Los Angeles will rely on a strong passing attack and a solid supporting cast, including standout wide receivers Ladd McConkey (960 yards) and Joshua Palmer (543 yards).
The Chargers’ defense has been one of the league’s best, ranking #1 in the NFL for points allowed, with an average of just 18.3 points per game. They have conceded 20 or fewer points in 11 games this season, though their recent form has been shaky, allowing 40 and 27 points in their last two matchups. Despite some struggles, the pass defense remains strong, ranked 15th in the league, while the rush defense sits at 17th. Against a Patriots offense that has struggled to score, the Chargers will look to capitalize on their defensive strength.
Patriots Struggling to Find an Identity
New England enters this game on a five-game losing streak, a stretch that has left the team searching for answers. Their last win came on November 10th, when they defeated the Bears 19-3 on the road. Since then, the Patriots have fallen to the Dolphins, Colts, Cardinals, and most recently, the Bills, in a narrow 24-21 defeat. Despite their struggles, the Patriots managed to cover the spread in two of their past five games.
The 22-year-old rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, has shown promise since taking over as the starting QB. In his most recent performance against the Bills, Maye completed 82% of his passes, amassing 261 yards. On the season, Maye has passed for 2,159 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 10 games. As the Patriots’ offense continues to evolve, Maye will be key in keeping the team competitive against the Chargers.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been a consistent performer for New England, averaging over 60 rushing yards in five of his last six games. Stevenson has accumulated 800 rushing yards and found the end zone five times this season. However, with the offense struggling to score more than 24 points in each of their last five defeats, the Patriots will need a breakout performance from their running back and quarterback to stand a chance.
While New England’s defense is better than its offense, it has also shown signs of vulnerability, especially in recent weeks. The Patriots have allowed 25 or more points in four of their last five games, including a 25-point performance from the Colts in Week 15. However, they managed to hold the Bills to just 324 total yards in their most recent loss. Despite these issues, New England’s defense remains competitive, ranking 11th in pass defense, although they struggle against the run, sitting at 24th in rushing yards allowed.
Conclusion
While the Chargers have faced some challenges this season, including their offensive inconsistency and recent defensive lapses, their playoff aspirations are driving them to perform at a high level. Justin Herbert’s strong play and the Chargers’ defense will likely prove too much for the struggling Patriots. New England’s inability to find offensive rhythm, combined with injuries and a defense that is often on the field for too long, puts them at a disadvantage.
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