The Chargers face the Patriots on Sunday for the AFC Title. The Patriots began the year blowing opponent out and scoring points at a rapid pace but recently they have had to rely on their defence to stop the other team from coming back. I think teams have began to figure out the Patriots to the point of disrupting more plays but not to the level of stopping the league's best offence. Teams have been able to hang with the Patriots and score enough to keep the game respectable and interesting late in the fourth quarter.
The big key against the Chargers is the play of their big 3 on offence. Quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson have knee injuries and tight end Antonio Gates is slowed by a toe injury. All may play even if not at full strength. The San Diego offence will not be effective and will fall behind quick if they can't be effective throwing the ball.
It has long been said that in the playoffs teams need to establish the running game to control the clock and keep the other team off the field. That may be changing as teams, like Green Bay and New England are finding success without a dominate running game. A productive short passing game can compensate for the lack of a running game.
I pick the Patriots to win because the Chargers are hurt and don't have enough offence to stay with the Patriots who will continue to score 30+ a game. The Patriots defence will do their job and take advantage of the Chargers injuries.
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