Chargers vs. Patriots: 2 things to watch for in Week 17 game
The Los Angeles Chargers are on the cusp of making the playoffs for just the second time since 2018, and a win in their Week 17 game against the New England Patriots could lock up a postseason berth. The Chargers are led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who has been efficient in the passing game despite a career-low in pass attempts and passing yards this season.
Here are two things to watch for in the game:
The Chargers’ offense needs to find consistency, and they’ll have a chance to do so against a struggling Patriots defense that has pressured opponents on just 29.7% of dropbacks. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is the team’s leading receiver, but the team will need other receivers to step up against the Patriots’ defense.
Drake Maye, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, will face his toughest test against a top-ranked Chargers defense. Maye has thrown at least one touchdown or more in the last seven games, but he has also thrown an interception in that span. Taking care of the ball will be crucial for Maye and the Patriots offense, which will be looking to be the first rookie quarterback to defeat Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers since 2014.