Final Chargers vs. Patriots prediction and betting odds for Week 17

The Los Angeles Chargers still have a shot at the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs when they visit the New England Patriots in Week 17.

Unfortunately for the 9-6 Chargers, they will be without some key injured names in the cold as they try to win a second straight game. Luckily for the Chargers, the Patriots are a rebuilding 3-12 club.

These Patriots have lost five straight despite trailing the Buffalo Bills by just three points in an always tricky divisional game last week. At least the third overall pick, Drake Maye, has shown promise, completing 67.6 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Chargers have also stumbled in recent weeks, going 2-2 since early December, including a brutal 40-17 loss to Tampa Bay. But there was an uptick last week against Denver and overall, a year of “soft rebuilding” has turned into a “what if?” Year in which the defense picks up the slack from an offense that wants to have a run-first identity despite struggles in the trenches and a revolving door of injured names at running back.

Still, the combination of Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey is strong and running back JK Dobbins should be back at least in a limited capacity to smooth things over. The defense will be missing Denzel Perryman, but that shouldn’t be much of a problem against this particular opponent.

Forecast: Chargers 27, Patriots 10

Spread: -5.5 LAC

O/U: 42.5

ML: -240 LAC

According to ESPN BET.

The Chargers will not have running back Gus Edwards or linebacker Denzel Perryman.

TV channels: NFL Network

Start time: 1 p.m. ET

Patriots vs. Chargers are streaming on NFL+

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and needs help, call1-800-GAMBLER.

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