One Week 8 NFL betting matchup that carries plenty of interest is the late-afternoon showdown between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers. Both of these teams are very much in the thick of the AFC postseason picture through seven weeks. This game could prove critical not just in the standings immediately after but down the road as a potential tiebreaker. The NFL betting odds have tabbed the home side as a modest favorite ahead of this Patriots vs Chargers contest.
The following Patriots vs Chargers NFL betting preview will give you the current odds, betting trends and picks for the Week 8 matchup, along with a stream link to watch games all season long.
Patriots vs Chargers Week 8 NFL Betting Preview
NFL Regular Season — Week 8 Game
New England Patriots (3-4, 2-0 Away) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2, 2-1 Home)
Date: Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021
Time: 4:05 p.m. EST
Venue: SoFi Stadium —Inglewood, CA
Coverage: Click here for the stream
New England Patriots Preview
The Patriots certainly feel like a team that doesn’t quite equate to their actual win-loss record. Three of New England’s four losses on the season could have easily been won if not for a bad break here and there. This sentiment rings even louder when concerning their losing record against the spread. At any rate, public perception has been bolstered following a 54-13 demolishing of the New York Jets last week. It marked the Patriots’ second NFL betting win over their AFC East rivals this season. This one came in a much more convincing fashion. Bill Belichick’s defense continued to impress, coming up with three takeaways and a pair of sacks. Safety Kyle Dugger recorded an INT for the second straight game.
Where the Patriots have displayed the most growth and improvement over the first seven weeks is definitely on offense. Such is naturally the case with a rookie quarterback under center. Mac Jones had one of his best games to date last week. He finished with over 300 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns. All of that production came despite not even playing the entire game. Three Patriots running backs posted impressive stat lines, led by Damien Harris’ 100-yard rushing day and two scores. J.J. Taylor also scored two rushing TDs while Brandon Bolden was the team’s leading receiver with 79 yards and a score. While New England’s offense is primarily predicated on the backfield, it’s worth noting that both wideout Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry have been making strides as go-to targets for Jones.
Los Angeles Chargers Preview
When we last saw the Chargers in action, they were blown out by the Baltimore Ravens on the road in a highly-touted NFL betting matchup. After having a bye week to regroup, L.A. must now contend with a Patriots outfit that routed them on their home turf last season. It certainly can’t get much worse than the team’s Week 6 performance. QB Justin Herbert struggled mightily in the loss. He failed to eclipse 200 yards passing and threw a pick. He also has no support whatsoever from the run game. In fact, Herbert led the team with 12 yards rushing against Baltimore.
Herbert and the Chargers’ offense may face similar challenges in this NFL betting matchup against the savvy New England defense. In addition, lead back Austin Ekeler was added to the injury report on Thursday. His status appears to be very much up in the air. If the Chargers do indeed struggle offensively, the pressure will be on Brandon Staley and the Bolts’ defense to rebound after two poor performances. In the last two games before the team’s bye, the defense surrendered 76 total points. That’s two points more than Los Angeles’ first four opponents combined to score against them this season. Being without linebacker Drue Tranquil and safety Nasir Adderley certainly didn’t help matters against the Ravens.
Patriots vs Chargers Odds and Spread
NFL betting odds for Patriots vs Chargers are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: NE: (+180) | LAC: (-225)
Spread: NE: +4 (-110) | LAC: -4 (-110)
Total: 49 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: NE: (52%) | LAC: (48%)
Patriots vs Chargers NFL Betting Trends
- Five of the Patriots’ last six road games have gone under the total.
- The total has gone under in 10 of the Patriots’ last 15 games.
- Chargers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
- The total has gone under in five of the Chargers’ last six games.
- Patriots are a perfect 6-0 both straight up and ATS in their last six head-to-head matchups against the Chargers.
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Patriots vs Chargers Stats
- New England is averaging 25.6 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 11 in the NFL).
- New England is surrendering 20.0 PPG this season (No. 6 in the NFL).
- Los Angeles is averaging 24.7 PPG this season (T-No. 12 in the NFL).
- Los Angeles is surrendering 25.0 PPG this season (No. 22 in the NFL).
Patriots vs Chargers Prediction
The Patriots vs Chargers NFL betting prediction uses the ESPN Football Power Index.
Patriots: 37.9%
Chargers: 61.8%
Tie: 0.3%
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