New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers Matchup Preview (12/6/20): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

For what has generally been a battle of Tom Brady Vs Philip Rivers over the last few seasons, we now look at two teams turning the chapter. Justin Herbert has looked excellent as a likely Rookie of the Year winner while the Patriots up and down season continues.  Both defenses have started to get healthier with the Patriots getting Stephon Gilmore back and the Chargers getting Joey Bosa. Both make huge differences for their defenses and we will see that come into play this weekend. The Patriots are still in the mix for a playoff spot but are closer to the bottom of the AFC compared to the top. The Chargers 3-8 record is a bit misleading as they continue their trend of losing close games. This should be a tight game and a real test for Herbert against a good Patriots defense. For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the New England Patriots At Los Angeles Chargers Matchup Page.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, December 6th, 2020
Time: 4:25 PM ET
Location: SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA
TV Coverage: CBS

Patriots vs. Chargers Live Stream

Where can you watch Patriots vs. Chargers online? You can stream this game and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Patriots Vs. Chargers Free Online Now.

Injuries:

New England Patriots: JC Jackson (Q), Ryan Izzo (Q), Cam Newton (P), JJ Taylor (Q)
Los Angeles Chargers: Casey Hayward (Q), Denzel Perryman (D), Joe Reed (Q), Kalen Ballage (Q)

New England Patriots Analysis

My concern each week continues to be the Patriots offense, as they have averaged 20.8 points per game this season and it mainly stems from the lack of offense in the passing game. They have thrown for less than 200 yards per game and six touchdowns. We knew they’d be run-heavy and it works with the lack of weapons for Newton to throw to. They are averaging 4.6 yards per attempt and nearly 150 yards per game. However, in games where they face a good run defense or negative game script, they struggle. It will be all about slowing down Justin Herbert, which they have still been a decent pass defense but not at the level they once were. Damien Harris has been a bright spot, taking over the lead role in the last few weeks. He has 561 yards on 110 attempts, rushing for 5.1 yards per attempt. With Rex Burkhead done, James White will pick up some extra snaps and touches but overall Harris remains the better fantasy option in standard leagues. Damiere Byrd and Jakobi Meyers have been the receivers to pick up the most production. They only have one touchdown between the two of them but over 900 receiving yards. They face a good secondary this week.

New England Patriots Depth Chart

QB: Cam Newton
RB1: Damien Harrisl
RB2: James White
WR1: Jakobi Meyers
WR2: N’Keal Harry
WR3: Damiere Byrd
TE: David Asiasi

Los Angeles Chargers Analysis

In ten games, Justin Herbert now has over 3,000 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. He will face a real task this week with Bill Belichick and his tendencies to make things tough on rookie quarterbacks. Getting Austin Ekeler back is going to be a major help for Herbert and the Chargers. He looked great last week in his debut off the IR. Keenan Allen has been clicking with Herbert and will likely see Stephon Gilmore this week. Allen has 122 targets in 11 games this season and an 85-875-7 line. We have also seen Mike Williams and Hunter Henry chip in with 500+  yards apiece and seven total touchdowns. As a fourth option, Jalen Guyton has stretched the field on some big plays and has a 28-229-3 line on 30 targets. This offense is going to be a good place for the next few years. Injuries have struck the defensive side but they have begun to get healthier. Joey Bosa being back makes this pass-rush go. This will be an interesting matchup to face a Pats offense that revolves around running the ball. They have struggled to defend the run this season, allowing 4.8 yards per carry. Against the pass they have been strong, allowing 6.8 yards per attempt. Los Angeles should be looking to make Newton beat them through the air and stacking the box a bit.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart

QB: Justin Herbert
RB1: Austin Ekeler
RB2: Justin Jackson
WR1: Keenan Allen
WR2: Mike Williams
WR3: Jalen Guyton
TE: Hunter Henry

Betting Corner: LAC -1.5

Spread: LAC -1.5
Moneyline: NE -270 / LAC +220
Over/Under: 47.5

This is a tricky game to figure out as the Chargers certainly have the better offense and an improving defense but the Patriots have an edge in coaching and a defense that can get after Herbert and make him struggle. The under is probably the more appealing bet given that statement, yet the public is hammering the over here. The over has been favorable for the Chargers but the Patriots not so much as their offense has not been good this season. New England has owned this matchup in prior years but as mentioned above things have changed. This feels like another game where the Chargers lose it late but I am focusing on a defensive battle between both sides and the under hitting.

Daily Fantasy Picks

With the main slate including this game, I don’t find myself with really anybody from this one in my lineups outside of Austin Ekeler. New England’s run defense is average at best and has allowed 123 yards per game and 11 rushing touchdowns. We also know Ekeler can rack up PPR points which makes him more of an attractive DK play. He saw 16 targets last week and I would expect him to have 7+ this week in addition to work on the ground. With the Patriots secondary healthy now I don’t want to attack with Keenan Allen or Mike Williams much here. There are better matchups for others in similar price ranges. As for the Patriots side, this has not been a fantasy-friendly offense and I can’t see myself using anyone here.