New England Patriots (3-4) to Chargers (4-2)
When: Sunday, 13:05
Where: SoFi stadium
TV / Radio: CBS (chap. 2); 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM / 94.3 FM (Spanish); Sirius 206
Line: 4½ point chargers
Notable trauma symbols: Charging device: RB Austin Ekeler (questionable; thigh), LB Drue Tranquill (questionable; chest)
Patriots: LB Brandon King (out; hip), TE Jonnu Smith (questionable; shoulder), LB Dont’a Hightower (questionable; ankle)
What’s at stake? Last season, the Chargers embarrassed the Patriots 45-0. It’s hard to forget the biggest gap in franchise history, but the Chargers could close by beating the Patriots at SoFi on Sunday. The Patriots are doing better than last year, however, with rookie quarterback Mc Jones, the addition of winger Matthew Judon and the return of midfielder Dont Hightower. Many Chargers players took part in last year’s loss to the Patriots, but it is also an improved team with a 4-2 record. Some of the Chargers want to forget the 45-0 defeat, but many will be looking for revenge on Sunday.
Who’s better? The Chargers have a better team because they have a lot of offensive players and a healthy secondary player. Despite being defeated against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chargers have shown quite successful attacks in five of their first six games. Jones doesn’t have as many playmakers as Justin Herbert, especially wide receivers, but Jones makes them work with wide receivers Jacobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Last week, the Patriots scored 54 points against the New York Jets and took the Dallas Cowboys to overtime two weeks ago. Jones found a rhythm with Hunter Henry and relied on the running back Damien Harris. Herbert has wide successors Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but they’ll need to bounce back from an ugly defeat from the Ravens before their farewell week. This season, the Patriots fought in second place.
Match to watch: Chargers Safety Derwin James vs. Henry, who played five seasons for the Chargers before signing with the Patriots at a free agency this year. Cornerback Chargers Chris Harris Jr. said he is thrilled to see former teammates fight on the field. James is likely to change positions, but he can stay with Henry if he has a good game. Henri has caught a touchdown in his last four games.
Chargers benefit if: They hold back the swift attack of the Patriots. The chargers have spent most of this week saying they have appreciated the rushed protection over the past week and are looking forward to the fixes they’ve made. But that’s easier said than done for the fast-paced defense that allows the league’s worst 162.5 yards per game. The Chargers can get help from defenseman Justin Jones if activated with an active squad from the Injured Reserve. The Patriots attack Harris, Brandon Bolden, Ramondre Stevenson and JJ Taylor.
Fantastic sleeper: Expect Williams to get back to square one for the Chargers after a disappointing performance against the Ravens ahead of their farewell week. Williams has dealt with knee swelling, but he said he no longer feels knee pain. The 6’4 “Chargers moneylender was one of the most productive players in the NFL in the first five games of the season.
Forecast: The Chargers ‘swift defenses will likely fight the Patriots’ swift attack. But the best way to beat the first-running team is to score touchdowns quickly. Expect Herbert to take advantage of the Patriots’ depleted secondary winding and take a few hits on weak points. The Chargers bounced back with a 27-20 win over the Patriots and avenged last year’s home shutout.
