LA Chargers vs New England Patriots Prediction NFL Picks 12/28/24
New England Patriots (3-12) vs LA Chargers (9-6)
Game Info: Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 1:00 pm (Gillette Stadium)
Betting Odds: New England Patriots +4 / LA Chargers -4 --- Over/Under: 40.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NFL Network
The Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots meet in week 17 NFL action from Gillette Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots prediction.
Los Angeles Chargers Recap
The Los Angeles Chargers come into this game looking to build on their 34-27 win over Denver last time out to climb to 10-5 on the year. After this game, Los Angeles will head on the road to take on the Las Vegas Raiders to close out the regular season.
Chargers Looking To Secure Playoff Spot
Justin Herbert has thrown for 3,243 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 64.7% passing while J.K. Dobbins leads the Chargers on the ground with 766 rushing yards and 8 TDs this season. Ladd McConkey has a team-high 69 catches for 960 yards and 5 touchdowns while Josh Palmer has 543 receiving yards. Quentin Johnston has 477 receiving yards with 8 TDs of his own and Will Dissly also has 418 receiving yards. On defense, Daiyan Henley has a team-high 142 total tackles including 82 solo tackles while Tuli Tuipolotu has a team-high 7.5 sacks and Bud Dupree has 6 sacks. Khalil Mack has also chipped in 5 sacks. Tarheeb Still has 4 interceptions as the Chargers’ defense as a whole has combined for 42 sacks and 14 interceptions so far this season.
Why the Los Angeles Chargers will win
- The Patriots have lost each of their last eight December home games against AFC opponents.
- The favorites have won each of the Chargers' last 12 Week 17 games.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Chargers' last eight Week 17 games.
- The Patriots have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as home underdogs before a Division game.
New England Patriots Recap
The New England Patriots will be out to rebound from a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to Buffalo last time out. After this game, the Patriots will take on the Bills at home to close out the year.
Patriots Lose 5th Straight
Drake Maye has thrown for 2,159 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 INTs on 67.6% passing this season while Jacoby Brissett has thrown for 828 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception on 59.1% passing. Rhamondre Stevenson leads New England on the ground with 800 rushing yards and 7 TDs while Antonio Gibson’s added 434 rushing yards. Hunter Henry leads the Pats with 674 receiving yards and 66 receptions while DeMario Douglas has 541 receiving yards and 59 grabs. Austin Hooper and Kayshon Boutte each have 400+ receiving yards while another three more Patriot receivers have 150+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Jahlani Tavai has a team-high 101 total tackles with Keion White and Deatrich Wise Jr. each logging a team-high 5 sacks as well on the year. As a unit, New England’s defense has combined for 28 sacks and 7 interceptions so far this season.
Why the New England Patriots will win
- The Patriots have won seven of their last eight games against the Chargers.
- The Chargers have lost each of their last five games at Gillette Stadium following a win.
- The Patriots have covered the spread in each of their last six December games as underdogs against AFC opponents.
- The Chargers have failed to cover the spread in three of their last four games following a Division win.
Chargers vs. Patriots Prediction
I’m on the Chargers here. I just think the Chargers are the better team with motivation here. It’s not like the Patriots really have any motivation to play spoiler here as the Chargers aren’t really a rival like the Bills last week and the Patriots are also better off losing this game. I also have to wonder, how the Patriots respond after coming so close to dethroning the rival Bills last week and falling short. Give me the Chargers on the road by a score.
Chris’s Pick Los Angeles Chargers -4
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Follow Chris Ruffolo on Twitter @ruffthepickdawg