As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, the New England Patriots face the Los Angeles Chargers in this NFL battle. With teams battling injuries and on losing streaks, who will dig deep and find the resolve to win?
Date and Time
Date: Sunday 2023-12-03
Time: 1:00 PM
Timezone: EST
Location
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Head-to-Head Overview
These teams last met in 2021 and served up a thriller. The Patriots rallied in the fourth to edge a 27-24 verdict. Ex-Chargers safety Adrian Phillips led the way against his former club.
Team Performance Analysis
New England Patriots
It’s been a tough season for the Pats, who are currently propping up the AFC with a 2-9 record. That includes a current four-game losing streak, including losses to the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts in the last two games. Despite this, those two encounters were close battles, with just one score between the teams. New England almost snapped its skid last week, but a late drive against the Giants came up short.
.@dreeday32 moving the pile and the chains.
📺: #NEvsNYG on FOX pic.twitter.com/f2PIOHn1us
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 26, 2023
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have also had their fair share of struggles this season. They are currently on a three-game losing streak after going down to the Ravens last week, and sit fourth in the AFC West. However, with an overall record of 4-7, they are having a better season that the Pats. The Chargers also have some scoring power, putting up 38 points in a narrow loss to Detroit and scoring 20 at Green Bay, also in a losing cause.
Injury Report
New England Patriots Injuries
The Patriots have been hit with several injuries. Offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is among the latest on the list after getting hurt against the Giants last time out. Demario Douglas is questionable due to a head injury. There’s better news for wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, reportedly making progress after surgery on an ACL problem, but he won’t feature this week.
Los Angeles Chargers Injuries
The Chargers are wrestling with their share of injuries as well, with linebacker Joey Bosa (foot) injury topping the list of absentees. Four players are questionable for Sunday, including Corey Linsley, JT Woods (both illness), Nick Vannett (concussion) and Quentin Johnston (ribs).
Game Stakes
Time is running out for both these teams if they are going to make it to this season’s playoffs. Despite their struggles, they should serve up an intriguing battle, with the Chargers’ dangerous offense coming up against a Patriots’ defense ranked eighth in the NHL. It looks like a high-stakes clash of styles in prospect in Foxborough.
Betting Odds
The odds across various bookmakers seem to favor the Los Angeles Chargers. For instance, Bet365 offers odds at 3.20 for the Patriots and 1.40 for the Chargers. These odds suggest that the Chargers have a strong chance of securing a road win that could kickstart their playoff push.
Conclusion
Two wounded beasts prepare to do battle in a game that both the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers need to win. Long injury lists mean the coaches will be busy trying to get the best from their available players. On the day, much will depend on how the Patriots’ efficient defense can cope with a Chargers’ offense that is full of scoring potential. Don’t miss the action this weekend!
