Both quarterbacks have had outstanding seasons and will meet on a huge stage Sunday night, each looking to earn their first NFL playoff victory.
While Herbert has 0-2 inches Chargers In the playoffs, Maye made his first playoff appearance for the New England Patriots after having a most valuable player caliber season.
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Herbert hasn’t received as much MVP credit but has been elite, especially considering the state of his injury-riddled offensive line, which has a new setup virtually every week.
Learn more: Justin Herbert is the Chargers MVP. But can he win in the playoffs?
Jim Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel of the Patriots are also two of the most talented coaches in the league, and this appears to be a balanced matchup.
The Patriots won 14 games — 10 more than the year before — but didn’t face many excellent quarterbacks, a middle row that included Cam Ward, Spencer Rattler, Dillon Gabriel and 40-year-old Joe Flacco.
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Twice, the Chargers lost playoff games at New England, falling short in the AFC Championship Game to end the 2007 season and in a divisional game in 2018.
How the Chargers can win: The Chargers need to put the Patriots on their heels by slowing down the running game, which has been key to New England’s victory of late, and forcing the pass. Maye’s receivers don’t have much big play potential. On defense, the Patriots are solid but not overwhelming. The Chargers need to be efficient on third down – need to stay third down and manageable – to keep drives alive and keep the Patriots defense on the field. Of course, protecting Herbert is a priority and it’s a challenge with an offensive line that’s constantly being recomposed. If the Chargers score early and often, they can knock the crowd out of the game.
How the Patriots can win: New England needs to stay away from obvious passing situations against an opportunistic Chargers defense. That means relying on the running game, which is what the Patriots did last month. The Patriots need to strengthen their run defense, even if the Chargers don’t thrive on that with a defensive system. Omarion Hampton and backups. If the Patriots can avoid turnovers and establish a methodical pace, they can advance with field goals.
Key injuries
Chargers: WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring, out); S Kendall Williamson (ankle, outside); RB Omarion Hampton (ankle, questionable); OLB Bud Dupree (hamstring, questionable); DB Elijah Molden (hamstring, questionable); OT Austin Deculus (oblique, questionable); LB Del’Shawn Phillips (hamstring, questionable), TE Tucker Fisk (ankle, questionable).
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Patriots: DT Khyiris Tonga (foot, outside); OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee, questionable); WR Kayshon Boutte (hamstring, questionable); LB Harold Landry III (knee, questionable); CB Alex Austin (wrist, questionable).
How to watch and listen to Chargers vs. Patriots
The Chargers and Patriots will play Sunday at 5:15 p.m. PST at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock and Universo (Español). In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on 640 AM and 105.5 FM (Español).
Odds and betting lines for Chargers vs. Patriots
Who will the Chargers win against the Patriots?
Sam Farmer’s choice: The Patriots haven’t faced many elite quarterbacks — they went 1-1 against the Josh Allen-led Buffalo Bills — so Herbert will be a challenge. Still, if they can achieve it behind this beaten offensive line, it will be difficult for the Chargers to move the ball consistently. Cold weather should not be a major factor unless the wind starts to blow. Maye was exceptional.
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Patriots 28, Chargers 24
This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
