Patriots-Chargers Week 14 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) -- The 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV sports teams make their predictions for Sunday night's Patriots-Chargers game.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The most exciting thing about this game on Sunday night is the Chargers are wearing their baby blue uniforms, which I'm very excited about.
The big difference from last week against Green Bay is you have a quarterback who doesn't run or pick up yards with his legs. Philip Rivers is a pocket passer who gets rid of the ball quickly, but that should help the Patriots as far as their ability to rush him and target where the rush points are going to be.
I like the matchup on the outside, and I don't think San Diego has the same skill set of Green Bay. It will be a tough one, but the Patriots D will continue to hold people out of the end zone and force field goals.
Patriots 31, Chargers 20
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
I think the Patriots come out with a lot of P & V, sitting around after a loss and working all week on the road with nothing else to think about.
They should come out firing early and take a quick 14-0 lead.
Patriots 37, Chargers 20
Jon Wallach, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots never lose two in a row, or almost never lose two in a row, with Bill Belichick as their head coach.
That was a tough loss in Green Bay, but they went to San Diego early to get acclimated for the time change and get ready for their big game against the Chargers.
They also don't lose big games, and I think they'll bounce back nicely from the Green Bay loss. Philip Rivers will cough it up at some point in the second half, and to put it bluntly, the Patriots defense is good enough to cover all of San Diego's wide receivers -- they were not good enough to cover all the Green Bay wideouts. The D is just too good for the Chargers.
Patriots 31, Chargers 17
Rob 'Hardy' Poole, 98.5 The Sports Hub
I'm disappointed that my safeties predictions have fallen short, so I'm going to scale it back a bit this week.
There won't be a lot of pressure when either team has the ball in their own end, so just one safety per side.
Patriots 26, Chargers 19
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV
I don't see these Patriots losing back-to-back games.
The Pats never came home from Green Bay, and have been extremely focused during their week in San Diego. I don't want to call this a must-win, but the Patriots do know what is at stake if they want to keep home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Patriots 34, Chargers 24
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV
The Patriots are 36-4 following a loss since 2003. I would expect them to get the job done out here in San Diego.
They may be a bit flat after an emotional, hard-fought battle in Green Bay, so it may not look pretty. Phillip Rivers is also a hard quarterback to play against because he competes with the best of them. Running back Ryan Matthews is healthy again for the Chargers, so that could be a factor.
Patriots 38, Chargers 24
WATCH: Roche's 3 Positions To Watch On Sunday
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV
I will make mine quick and easy because I am with the New England Revolution this week.
Both quarterbacks play well in December but this is a game the Pats need. Right now, they are still the top seed in the AFC and they'd like to hold onto that. That could be in jeopardy with a loss.
But the Pats should get a great rebound victory
Patriots 27, Chargers 13
Also, the Revs will get their first MLS cup, with the fifth time being a charm.
Revolution 3, Galaxy 2
Tune in to Sunday's Patriots-Chargers game on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship stations of the New England Patriots. The Sports Hub begins coverage at 5:30pm, with three full hours of postgame reaction and analysis following the game! Coverage on WBZ-TV begins at 11:30am with Patriots GameDay, and continues with Patriots 5th Quarter immediately following the game.
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