By beating the Indianapolis Colts last week in NFL Playoff Picks action the San Diego Chargers were able to ruin the much anticipated AFC Championship Manning/Brady matchup. Now they are hoping that they can to the same to the New England Patriots' perfect season this weekend. The Chargers certainly come in with enough credentials as they are riding an eight game winning streak. This contest will be a rematch and of their previous meeting this season as they will attempt to avenge a 38-14 beating way back in Week Two. Star San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson was a bit stern about this matchup when he stated "It's obvious that this wasn't the matchup that America wanted to see”…… (But) this is the matchup … the two best teams are playing. Everybody had the chance to get to this point, so we're fortunate to be in this situation." Bodog.com has the Chargers list as a rather large +14 point underdog.
The Chargers are not as lucky to be in this game as some might think when earning their chance to face New England in the title game as they got here by winning 12 of their last 14 games since opening the season at 1-3.
A few things that certainly are not in San Diego's favor this weekend is that they have the misfortune of having to head east with three of their top offensive players hobbled by injuries. RB Tomlinson was forced out of last weeks game versus Indy in the second quarter with a hyperextended knee, while quarterback Philip Rivers suffered a strained MCL ligament and had to sit out the fourth quarter. In addition Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates is battling a dislocated toe that basically made him ineffective against the Colts. Obviously head coach Norv Turner sees this as a potential problem when he states "I'm concerned. I'm real concerned," ……. "You can only withstand so many hits. We're getting ready to play the best team in the National Football League. We need to rally the troops and get everyone as healthy as we can be."
It appears that RB Tomlinson will play but was ineffective the first time these two teams met this season as he had just 43 rushing yards. However, if last seasons playoff game between the two is any indication of this weeks’ performance, Tomlinson rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns. The fact of him playing is bolstered by Tomlinson himself when he says "I think I'll definitely be able to play,"…….. "I think they've got me listed as questionable, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to play."
The biggest hit to the Chargers might be fact that QB Philip Rivers is very questionable this week and unfortunately for the Charger faithful is coming off two of his finest games of the season in the playoffs. When asked whether or not Rivers will play Turner responded: "Right now it's probably questionable in terms of playing in the game,"….. "But he's got a chance so we'll just monitor it as the week goes on."
Even with all of these issues San Diego backers might be able to take solace in the fact that they are 21-3 ATS after 5 or more consecutive wins against the spread since 1992. So will the sun shine this week for the Chargers?
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