NFL Game Of The Week: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers

The Patriots head to sunny Los Angeles Sunday, but this will be no vacation, as they'll face the 4-2 Chargers and second year QB Justin Herbert at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers will be looking to get revenge following a 45-0 loss at the hands of the New England last season.

The Patriots have proven to be tough to figure out so far this season. They have yet to beat a quality opponent, with wins over the Texans and the Jets (twice). Their defense is surrendering 105.6 yards per game on the ground and 245 through the air, putting them in the middle of the pack in both categories. But they're also giving up 20.6 point per game, good for 6th. The Pats have lost only once by double digits, and their 54-13 drubbing of the Jets on 10/17 saw them score the most points in a game since 2013. 

Rookie QB Mac Jones has struggled at times, but also shown flashes of why he can be the future of the franchise. Jones has thrown for 1,779 yards, with nine TDs, six INTs and a 74.1 completion percentage. The Pats are averaging 95.4 yards per game on the ground, but have seen promise in third year back Damien Harris, whose 437 rushing yards (4.6 yards per carry) in place of the injured James White are good for eighth in the league. They've also seen the emergence of several receiving threats, including Tight end Hunter Henry, who's four receiving TDs lead the team.  

New England has a chance to get a statement win over the Chargers. Attacking the ground with Harris might be the way to go, with Los Angeles giving up over 160 yards per game on the ground, worst in the NFL. Jones will also look to get the ball to Jacobi Myers, who's 390 receiving yards and 59 targets lead the team. Surprisingly, Myers has yet to catch a touchdown this season. Like I said, the Patriots are a mystery. Jones also has Kendrick Bourne (22 REC, 350 YDS, 2 TDS) Nelson Agholor (19 REC, 275 YDS, 2 TDS) and Henry (24 REC, 264 YDS, 4 TDS) at his disposal. 

Kyle Dugger (48 tackles), Ja'Whuan Bentley (33 tackles) and veteran Devin McCourty (21 tackles) are just a few of the defensive threats Herbert will have to watch out for Sunday. Cornerback J.C. Jackson's three INT's lead the Patriots. Jackson picked off NY's Mike White in New England's win over the Jets, as the Patriots held New York to just 9.7 yards per catch. 

Mac Jones actually has more passing yards (1779) then Herbert (1771), but the L.A.'s second year QB out of Oregon has thrown 14 TDs to Jones' 9, with just four interceptions. Wideout Mike Williams (33 REC, 498 YDS, 6 TDS) is one of his favorite targets, and his six touchdown catches lead the team. Kenan Allen (39 REC, 419 YDS, 1 TD), Jared Cook (21 REC, 235 YDS, 1 TD) and running back Austin Eckler (27 REC, 242 YDS 3 TDS) are a few other targets that have helped Herbert emerge into a top QB. Eckler's 356 rushing yards lead the team. He has run for four more scores to put his touchdown total at seven for the year. 

Safety Derwin James Jr. lead the Chargers with 50 tackles (35 solo). Nasir Adderly (35 tackles) and Kyzir White (35 tackles) help lead a defense that has done much better against the pass than the run. The Chargers are giving up 201.8 yard per game through the air, good for fourth in the league, standing in stark contrast to their struggles containing the ground game. They'll have there hands full with Damion Harris, but should be able to get pressure on Jones and cover his receivers well enough to frustrate the rookie QB. 

Prediction

Never count out Bill Belichick and his ability to scheme up something great while taking advantage of an opponent's weaknesses. But the Chargers have a stronger offense and a defense that can exploit Mac Jones' inexperience. 

Chargers 30-Patriots 20.