San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots point spread and odds

The point spread and betting preview on the AFC Championship game San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots.

San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots point spread and odds With only a couple of days left until the start of the NFL Championship games, we will start our point spread and betting odds preview with the AFC game between the San Diego Chargers and their visit to the still-unbeaten New England Patriots. It is no surprise that all odds makers are currently favoring the New England Patriots to win the AFC Championship game, as well as the Super Bowl - the Pats are hotter a football teams has ever been and it will take a miracle to stop them, but then again, miracles have been known to happen. Not according to the online sportsbook Bodog Sports, where the point spread on the San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots championship game is currently sitting at -14 points chalk the Patriots with high-scoring game expected and the total is listed at 47.5 points. The betting odds on the New England Patriots are posted at -700 and the odds on the San Diego Chargers to win the AFC Championship game are posted at underdog +550 with the bookmaker. Keep in mind that at this time, most bettors think the point spread on the Pats is too high and take the Chargers as their favorite pick.

We will jump right ahead to the biggest concern for fans and bettors alike - the injuries. The New England Patriots are doing OK in this department, only safety Mel Mitchell missed Thursday's practice, while quarterback Tom Brady did a limited one. after some right shoulder issues, but will take part in the AFC Championship game on Sunday. Also, Randy Moss will not be affected by the current media frenzy with the restraining order, coach Belichick also said he believes this issue will not affect the wide receiver on the field comes Sunday.

The San Diego Chargers are not as lucky with three key players nursing injuries - tight end Antonio Gates and quarterback Philip Rivers missed Thursday practice, while running back LaDainian Tomlinson participated yesterday, although with limited workload. But Chargers coach Norv Turner said he is not ruling out any of the three players and they all will be a game-day decision, including QB Philip Rivers, who sprained his knee in the 28-24 victory against the Colts last week.

Statistically, NFL fans couldn't have hoped for a better AFC Championship game, both teams matching very well in all categories. The Patriots offense posts 403 yards per game for No.3 in the league, while the Chargers offense ranks 4th in the NFL with 380.5 yards per game. San Diego even outperforms the Pats defensively, with 347 yards allowed to rank the best in the NFL for point allowed at only 15 per game. The New England's defense allows 350 yards and 20 points on average each game. San Diego is also 5-0 against the spread in its last 5 games while New England is only 1-6 against the spread in its last 7 games. But the Patriots are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games when playing the Chargers. Also, when betting keep in mind that the total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego.

Published on 01/18/2008