Wild Card: Patriots vs. Chargers
It's good to be back!
Thoughts from the board
Ricomandog
Pats finally play a team with a winning record and get exposed by the Chargers. They sat their starters knowing they will likely play the Pats so they rolled the dice and got what they wanted. Patriots defense won't be able to contain Smack's man crush. Offense struggles against a good defense since they were playing with fool's gold this whole season. Chargers blow out the Pats! We're onto the Draft...
Chargers win 30-10
Bold Prediction: Shawne Merriman storms the field after the game and does his "Lights Out" dance on the Pats logo.
DNOM
The Chargers wanted to face a team with an MVP-caliber quarterback, a piping-hot rushing duo, and a lockdown cornerback? Make 'em pay.
Patriots win 33-11
Bold Prediction: Gonzo & Davis with a pick each
Oscar
First playoff start for a lot of these guys, and they collectively get the yips. Of course, there are playoff vets like Moses and Milton Williams and Diggs to try to mitigate the nerves, but it's an awfully big stage, and the Pats did lose three games at home this year, so there's that.
Chargers win 17-13
Bold Prediction: That third-string OL the Chargers have been trotting out most of the year yields only one sack. Chaisson gets it.
rondo723
The Chargers are an OK team. They have a physical defense, an offense helmed by a QB that can light it up but also turtle in Herbert, and not a ton to fear outside of him, Ladd, and Hampton. I think the Pats can pressure Herbert given the state of the OL, and on defense the Chargers like to play a lot of zone which Maye shreds. The Chargers' best shot is to go heavy and try to control the ball and play more man defense, but they haven't really played that way all year. The Pats don't need to alter their style of play too much to be effective. I think that'll be the difference.
Patriots win 31-17
Bold Prediction: Drake Maye receiving TD
Blight
Chargers defense will be sturdy for the first half, but feel like Maye will figure them out.
Patriots win 27-13
Bold Prediction: Pats D-line 4 sacks.
Mr Roger Badell
5 TDs - 3 on the ground - 2 on deep throws. No defensive scores, but they get 2 picks and cause 2 fumbles...one of them, a turn-over.
Patriots win 35-23
Bold Prediction: Herbert is sacked 5 times & one of them is a Spillane stripper
Hugo
I think this is going to be a frenetic game, more so than it appears on paper. Both teams will move the ball too easily. Maye-to-Diggs proves undeniable and will be the story of the night.
Patriots win 34-31
Bold Prediction: Maye runs for 2 TDs
redemptionCR
Pats control game but let Chargers back in it. Hold on to win
Patriots win 24-22
Bold Prediction: No INT's for either QB
Dino
Chargers defense is tough, better than the Pats. I would pick the Chargers if they were playing in L.A. or a warm neutral site. But they are not. Over the last 10 years, dome teams that play postseason games on the road outdoors in temperatures 40ยบ or below have a record of 1-14 in those games. That is the reason I pick the Patriots.
Patriots win 30-24
Bold Prediction: Pats will score at least one TD on defense or special teams.
Rking
Maybe im underrating the chargers, or maybe the homerism is particularly strong... but i actually feel like the pats should win this comfortably. Maye is balling out and I think the defense handles the chargers run game and limits herbert.
Patriots win 31-21
Bold Prediction: Herbert throws more INTs than TDs
Zoo
The Chargers are decent team with a pretty solid defense, but Drake has done well against good defenses this year. As long as they play disciplined and relatively mistake free, this should be an easy win. If the lights are too bright and the team starts making too many mistakes, this could be our last game of the season.
Patriots win 28-17
Bold Prediction: Diggs gets 9+ receptions for 140+ yards and a TD
MAC
THis one will be a close dog fight throughout the game.. The cold will decide the game.
Patriots win 31-27
Bold Prediction: Borregelas TD pass on a fake FG attempt.
