NFL Week 13: New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers betting picks, preview
In a battle between free-falling teams, the New England Patriots will host the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend. Let's dig through the disappointing matchup and target some winning bets for Pats-Chargers.
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers betting odds, preview
Spread: Chargers -5.5, Over/under: 40.5, Moneyline: Chargers -270 | Patriots +220
How the mighty have fallen. Raise your hand if you ever thought you'd see Bill Belichick and the Patriots as nearly a touchdown underdog at home to a 4-7 team. No one? Yeah, us neither.
This spread is warranted, though, based on New England's last few weeks. The Patriots have scored just 13 points over the last two games, and their nightmare season hit a new low last week in a 10-7 loss to Tommy DeVito and the New York Giants. New England now ranks 31st in the NFL in scoring and 28th in yards per play, and Mac Jones has likely lost his starting job for good. Belichick hasn't announced a starter for this week, but we're expecting Bailey Zappe to start the game under center.
As for the Chargers, they've lost three straight games to fall to 13th in the AFC standings. The offense has struggled to adjust to life without Mike Williams, as no one outside of Keenan Allen has stepped up for Justin Herbert. The defense also ranks dead last in the NFL in total yards allowed per game. A loss this Sunday could spell the end for Brandon Staley in L.A.
Patriots vs. Chargers betting picks
Under 40.5 (-110 FanDuel)
It's hard not to love an under between these two teams. The Patriots are struggling to score double-digit points right now, and we can't imagine that changing with Zappe taking over for Jones.
Los Angeles is normally considered a high-powered offensive team, but that's not the case right now with Allen operating as the only effective weapon for Herbert. If we know anything about Belichick, he's going to double-team Allen all day and force other wide receivers to beat him.
Expect a whole lot of points and not a lot of points in this one.
Quentin Johnston over 17.5 receiving yards (-114 FD)
This is the buy-low spot of all buy-low spots, but we'd understand if you decide to pass on this one.
Quentin Johnston hasn't earned Herbert's trust due to his inability to create separation and several critical drops. The rookie has just three catches over the last two weeks, and his seven receiving yards last week were his lowest since Week 6.
With Belichick looking to take Allen away, the other WRs need to step up for Herbet. Johnston can clear this line with one catch.
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