The New England Patriots (3-12) are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) this Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, for their Week 17 matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in on the NFL Network.
This game marks a pivotal opportunity for the Chargers, who, under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, can clinch their playoff spot with a win. Los Angeles is coming off a strong 34-27 victory against the Denver Broncos, demonstrating resilience after being down by 11 points during the game. They are currently riding the momentum of clinching the AFC West and are projected to have high hopes for their postseason chances.
On the other hand, the Patriots have had a difficult season, suffering through six one-score losses, the most recent being a narrow defeat against the Buffalo Bills, 24-21. They are now focused on breaking their five-game losing streak, aiming to finish the season on a positive note.
This week, the spotlight turns to key players from both squads, particularly quarterbacks Drake Maye for the Patriots and Justin Herbert for the Chargers. Maye has shown flashes of brilliance this season, throwing touchdown passes for seven consecutive games. He is set to challenge the Chargers' defense, which has been known to be one of the stronger units this season, allowing only 18.3 points per game, the lowest average across the league.
Herbert, on the other hand, is closing on some impressive personal milestones, needing just 153 passing yards to surpass Peyton Manning for the most yards by a quarterback within his first five seasons. With 20,466 career passing yards, the stakes are high for the talented gunslinger, as he seeks to guide his team to success as they gear up for the playoffs.
Fans eager to watch the game can catch the action on the NFL Network at 1 p.m. ET. Local broadcasts will also be available, with WCVB Channel 5 airing the game for viewers around Boston. For those without cable, multiple streaming services are providing excellent options to view the game live. Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV are all premiering the matchup, with some offering free trial periods, making it easier for fans to stay connected.
Patriots fans can also listen to the live game broadcast on 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub, which is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network, featuring play-by-play narration provided by Bob Socci with analysis from former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak.
Another point of interest leading up to the game is the injury report. The Chargers will be missing defensive linemen Gus Edwards due to an ankle injury and Denzel Perryman with groin complications, and right tackle Trey Pipkins has also been ruled out. For the Patriots, starting center Ben Brown remains within the concussion protocol, and strong safety Kyle Dugger is working to overcome ankle and quad injuries.
Regarding the betting lines, the Chargers are favored by 4.5 points, reflecting their recent performances and playoff aspirations. They possess one of the best records against the spread this season, being 10-5, whereas the Patriots' record stands at 6-8-1 concerning the spread this year, underlining their struggles.
The series history favors the Patriots overall, holding the lead at 27-16-2. It’s interesting to highlight the fact the last match occurred on Dec. 3, 2023, when the Chargers overcame the Patriots with a tight 6-0 game, showcasing their defensive skills.
Though the Chargers enter the match as favorites, football is unpredictable, and fans can expect the unexpected as both teams battle for their goals. For the Chargers, it's about securing their spot, and for the Patriots, it’s simply about pride and asserting their competitiveness as they evaluate their roster heading to the offseason.
This exciting matchup should provide football fans with plenty of highlights and narratives to enjoy, emphasizing the fluctuative nature of the NFL as the season quickly approaches its climactic playoff stage.
