NFL Playoffs 2019: Divisional Round matchups and predictions
By Sanjit T.
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots, 10:05am PT Sunday
When you look at the Chargers, you see a team that is ranked as the 6th best offense, and the 8th best defense. This looks fantastic until you look at the New England Patriots, who have the 4th best offense and 7th best defense, and this is why I believe New England will win this game 31-21.
One of the most interesting storylines to this game is the running backs. Melvin Gordon is one the NFL’s best backs. And on the other side, Sony Michel who is still a rookie is holding his own and regarded as one of the best young backs in the NFL. This season, in 8 starts, he ran for 931 yards and 6 TDs, which is more than Gordon, who ran for 885 yards and 10 TDs in 12 games. Both teams also have a really good change of pace back, Austin Ekeler for the Chargers, and James White for the Patriots.
These two teams will battle it out, but at the end of the day, it will come down to the quarterbacks, and which offense can manage this game better. Even though I like Phillip Rivers, I believe Tom Brady is going to do a better job at taking care of the ball, and because of this will end up winning the game.