5 bold predictions for the Patriots against the Chargers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a play with teammates during the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The Patriots running game will shine

The Patriots had their best game offensively against the Jets. While Mac Jones’ 300 yard passing game is what will get a lot of attention, New England ran the ball very well. Damien Harris led the way with 106 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged almost eight yards per carry on the day. J.J. Taylor added two touchdowns of his own. As a team, the Patriots accumulated 148 rushing yards.

The Chargers biggest weakness is stopping the run. They are allowing almost 163 yards per game on the ground, the highest in the NFL. The next closest team is Houston, who is allowing 18 fewer yards per game. This is a game where New England can actually take some of the pressure off Mac Jones. They have the capability of running the ball, and doing it well- especially against a bad run defense.

The Chargers have talent on defense, but their ineffectiveness against the run has kept them on the field longer during the season. Attrition will set in for the Chargers if New England’s ground game gets into a rhythm. The Patriots will have to capitalize on that if they want to come away with the win.

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