NFL Betting: New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers

NFL / Andy Richmond / 23 October 2010 / Leave a Comment

Philip Rivers is without two of his favourite targets this weekend

"Despite their 2-4 record the Chargers are doing something right - they rank first in the league in offence, first in the league in pass offence, first in the league in total defence and first in the league in pass defence."

The stats say San Diego are one of the league's best, so why have they won only two games this season? Mistakes is the answer, says Andy Richmond, in his preview of Sunday night's second live game on Sky Sports

Sunday October 23rd
Live on SKY 21:15

Match Odds: New England [2.24], San Diego [1.80]

The San Diego Chargers might be running out of time to again overcome their habitual early-season struggles. The mistake-prone Californians have dug themselves a deeper hole than usual despite a relatively soft schedule, and they begin a far more difficult stretch on Sunday when they host a Patriots team seeking its fourth straight win.

Despite their 2-4 record the Chargers are doing something right - they rank first in the league in offence, first in the league in pass offence, first in the league in total defence and first in the league in pass defence. But those statistics have not brought them wins and their schedule is about to get considerably tougher, with games against Tennessee, Houston, Denver and Indianapolis following the visit from the Patriots (4-1).

New England are in the midst of a brutal six-week stretch that includes games against Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, but they get a break on Sunday if San Diego QB Phil Rivers' top two targets can't play. Leading receiver Malcolm Floyd is almost certainly out due to a hamstring injury he suffered at St. Louis, while star tight end Antonio Gates is questionable after hurting his ankle against the Rams. That's good news for a Patriots pass defence that's 29th in the league, allowing 273.4 yards per game.

While San Diego's losses have all come on the road after early deficits, they quickly jumped on Jacksonville and Arizona early when winning those two home games by a combined 56 points - the Patriots represent a different test.

The Patriots, despite despatching wide receiver Randy Moss to Minnesota have been playing with great balance and poise on offence showing that they don't need a plethora of high profile players on the roster to get the job done.

San Diego, despite their league leading statistics, make too many mistakes and until they can eradicate those from their game plan a solid functional team like the Patriots will continue to cause them problems.

Recommended Bet:
Back New England Patriots +2.5 @ 2.02 to beat the San Diego Chargers.