NFL Odds, Picks and Predictions for Chargers vs. Patriots
Two of the top defensive squads in the AFC tangle in this postseason-opening SNF clash, and we explore best bets and props to consider.
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Chargers vs. Patriots NFL Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
- Moneyline: Chargers +165 (BetMGM) / Patriots -190 (theScore Bet)
- Point spread: Chargers +3.5 (FanDuel) / Patriots -3.5 (theScore Bet)
- Totals: Over 45.5 points (BetMGM) / Under 46.5 points (theScore Bet)
The spread for this game has remained steady with the number sitting at Patriots -3.5 throughout the week and into the weekend. The number is clearly deemed appropriate by bettors, who've seen enough to keep 14-3 New England a solid home favorite.
The total has been almost as stationary, opening at 45.5 and climbing to 46.5 at some sportsbooks entering the weekend. Despite the slight increase, bettors are clearly paying the two defenses their due respect.
Check updated NFL odds to find the best prices for your favorite bets all season.
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Chargers vs. Patriots NFL Picks
Drake Maye will follow up his breakout second season with his first career playoff appearance, and there's a very real possibility
NFL Odds, Picks and Predictions for Chargers vs. Patriots
Two of the top defensive squads in the AFC tangle in this postseason-opening SNF clash, and we explore best bets and props to consider.
Gear up for NFL season with the best sportsbook promos available at the top sports betting sites. The BetMGM bonus code gets football fans up to $1,500 in bonuses at signup.
Chargers vs. Patriots NFL Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
- Moneyline: Chargers +165 (BetMGM) / Patriots -190 (theScore Bet)
- Point spread: Chargers +3.5 (FanDuel) / Patriots -3.5 (theScore Bet)
- Totals: Over 45.5 points (BetMGM) / Under 46.5 points (theScore Bet)
The spread for this game has remained steady with the number sitting at Patriots -3.5 throughout the week and into the weekend. The number is clearly deemed appropriate by bettors, who've seen enough to keep 14-3 New England a solid home favorite.
The total has been almost as stationary, opening at 45.5 and climbing to 46.5 at some sportsbooks entering the weekend. Despite the slight increase, bettors are clearly paying the two defenses their due respect.
Check updated NFL odds to find the best prices for your favorite bets all season.
Try the Caesars Sportsbook promo code this NFL season for a great welcome offer from one of the leading sports betting apps.
Chargers vs. Patriots NFL Picks
Drake Maye will follow up his breakout second season with his first career playoff appearance, and there's a very real possibility of some early jitters for the talented young signal-caller. However, that may well be where the Chargers' clear advantages end, as Jim Harbaugh's team will have a number of things working against it.
The multi-time-zone trip across the country is certainly one. There's also the legitimate home field edge New England will enjoy at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won six of their last seven during the regular season and were undone by some second-half superhuman Josh Allen heroics for their only defeat during that sample.
Part of that geographical edge will most recently include the weather. The latest forecasts call for near freezing temperatures with about a 20 percent chance of precipitation – certainly not LA weather by any stretch. The experience of the likes of Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen should help the Bolts keep their wits about them, but the conditions shape up as a game where the ground attacks should take center stage.
That's where the Pats appear to be in better shape on paper as well. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are not only healthy, but also on a nice roll coming into the game. The duo capped off the regular season by racking up five total touchdowns between them against the Dolphins. They now facing a Chargers team that allowed 111.1 rushing yards per game on the road and 4.3 yards per carry overall. LA also surrendered 7.3 yards per reception to running backs, while Stevenson averaged 11.4 per catch over his last five games.
On the other side, the Chargers boast their own impressive 1-2 punch in Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal, but the former isn't coming into this game at full health. Hampton got on the practice field on Friday, but only on a limited basis. While the rookie said afterwards that he was fully planning on playing Sunday night, he'll naturally be less than 100 percent and will also be facing a New England defense that was elite most of the year against the run.
A bit of a late-season slip in that regard coincided with a multi-game absence on the part of tackling machine Robert Spillane due to an ankle injury, but Spillane carries no injury designation after practicing in full all week.
Given the factors cited, I'm rolling with an SGP that banks on a Pats win and a very reachable rushing + receiving yards prop for Stevenson, while a bet on the Under on the highest figure currently out there is a secondary wager to consider.
Chargers vs. Patriots NFL Bets:
- SGP: Patriots moneyline and Rhamondre Stevenson 50+ Alt. rushing and receiving yards (+120 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Under 46.5 points (-115 on theScore Bet)
Chargers vs. Patriots NFL Prediction
Patriots 23, Chargers 20
As discussed, the Patriots' home field edge will make its presence felt in this instance in the form of both weather and ambiance. Maye's early postseason jitters aside, the more complete team and better all-around defense will have enough here to squeeze out a close victory, especially considering Hampton's less than full health and a Pats' front that will be invigorated by the return of Spillane.
