Patriots Chargers Betting – Pats Take Advantage Of Ailing Chargers
Sports betting players know how big of a role injuries can play in the NFL, and San Diego has its hands full trying to keep their best players on the field. The Chargers will host New England this weekend, and the Patriots’ defense is going to get the upper hand on a banged-up San Diego offense for a big win.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, October 24th, 4:15 PM ET
- Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
- Pick: New England Patriots +3
What’s On The Line
The New England Patriots (4-1) came back from 10 points down to edge the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in overtime in a hard-hitting affair, and after a tumultuous period, New England showed that they’re still one of the teams to beat in the AFC. The Chargers (2-4) lost 20-17 to the St. Louis Rams, and now all four losses have come by eight points or less, all on the road. These two have battled in the AFC playoffs in recent years, and they’ve launched a rivalry. A loss would be crushing to the Chargers’ playoff hopes, so there’s more at stake for them.
Offensive Matchups: Patriots Chargers Betting
New England played their first game without Randy Moss, and Wes Welker earned a lot of attention from the Ravens, but he still managed seven catches for 53 yards. The star of the show was Deion Branch, who was the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP for the Patriots, then left for Seattle. Branch had nine receptions for 98 yards and a score, and Tom Brady had to be ecstatic to have him back. Now, the question is, can Branch be consistent? The Patriots still need a deep threat, and Brandon Tate must step up.
The Chargers have the No.1 offense in the league, and rookie back Ryan Mathews is starting to get used to the NFL. Philip Rivers is doing the best he can, but the Chargers are too one-dimensional right now and Mathews has to step up. Rivers was 22-of-37 for 249 yards, a touchdown and a pick, but he was also sacked seven times. The Chargers may also be without tight end Antonio Gates, who injured his toe.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchups: Patriots Chargers Betting
The Patriots are currently 30th in the league defensively, and they’re particularly susceptible to the pass, allowing Joe Flacco to throw for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns. New England was solid enough on third down, stopping the Ravens in 11 of 16 chances, and they definitely got their act together in the four quarter, giving them an opportunity to come back. A spotlight will be on safety Brandon Meriweather, who was fined for a helmet hit under the league’s new rules.
San Diego is also tops in the league in defense, which makes their 2-4 record that much more puzzling. They did a decent job against the Rams, allowing 300 yards, but Steven Jackson ran for 109 yards on them, and they let the Rams convert seven of 17 third-down chances. The Chargers are going to have to get after Brady on Sunday if they want to have a chance of winning this game, because he’ll kill them with the short passing game.
Betting Edge: Chargers
Notable Injuries: Patriots Chargers Betting
Running back Fred Taylor (toe) and receiver Julian Edelman (head) will likely be held out of this game, as well as safety Jarrad Page (calf) for the Patriots.
Gates (toe) is a major worry, along with receiver Malcolm Floyd (hamstring) and kicker Nate Kaeding (groin). Linebacker Brandon Siler (foot) should be able to go, though.
Betting Edge: Patriots
NFL betting odds have the Chargers as a 3-point favorite at home, and they have a 2-2 record both ATS and SU in their last four games at “The Q” against the Patriots, who are 2-2-1 ATS in their last five road games overall. The Chargers have the same ATS home record in their last five games, and this may end up being their game of the season. The Patriots aren’t worried about going out on the road, and this will be a real test of the San Diego defense as Brady has a lot of weapons. San Diego’s best weapons are limping around right now, which is why the edge goes to New England this week for the sports betting upset. Stan’s Pick: New England PatriotsOutlook and Pick: Patriots Chargers Betting
