The Chargers must have offensive balance and timely big plays to come out of New England with a win and make a postseason run.
One key to the Chargers winning in Foxborough is the battle in the trenches. The Chargers' balance on offense is important with their developing running game. Rookie Omarion Hampton has been a revelation when he’s been healthy. He tweaked an ankle and didn’t play in the Broncos game, but should be ready to roll.
While it’s a good thing to have the ball in your franchise signal-caller Justin Herbert’s hands because he’s so precise, you don’t want him dropping back to throw 40 times either in a come-from-behind scenario. Especially since he’s beat up to the tune of 54 sacks on the year and is nursing a broken left hand.
While Herbert has done well at protecting the ball, at some point, Jim Harbaugh might have to dial up a big play. The Patriots' defense is so stingy, allowing 18.4 points per game, which is good for fourth in the league, so they won’t beat themselves. They stay disciplined behind coach of the year candidate Mike Vrabel, who has orchestrated their turnaround. A 14-win season and a number two seed that no one saw coming. A key loss to Buffalo comes to mind as a big reason why they don’t have a number one seed and aren’t skipping playing in the wildcard round altogether.
Upfront, the Patriots' pass rush is one of their weaknesses, which is a lucky break for the Chargers and their offensive line, which is decimated by season-ending injuries.
Khalil Mack and company have to put heat on the top-2 MVP candidate, Drake Maye, because he is so efficient and doesn’t throw the ball up for grabs. With his go-to guy, Stefon Diggs, and a number of underrated playmakers who are stars in their role, it could be a long day for the Chargers' defense if they are unable to disrupt his rhythm. All-world safety Derwin James might have to have a signature game in the secondary to help the underdog Chargers escape Massachusetts with a victory. The Chargers come in as 3.5-point underdogs.
The Chargers' receiving core is solid. Keenan Allen has played in big games before throughout the course of his exceptional career. He could be just the man the Chargers need to take pressure off of Herbert early in the game. He’s also going to be a security blanket on third down. In five playoff games, the veteran Allen has three touchdowns.
We should all buckle up for what promises to be one of the games of the wildcard round.