New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers (-2.5)
Game Total Line: (45)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

San Diego (2-4, 2-4 ATS) is has become well known for its awful starts, but last week's 20-17 loss to St. Louis has NFL betting fans wondering if something is genuinely wrong this time around. Thankfully for the Chargers, they're just one game out in the weak AFC West.

Poor defense and special teams play have crippled San Diego. Big plays, an inconsistent pass rush, blocked punts, big returns-it's been the norm for the Chargers this season, overshadowing a fantastic effort by Phillip Rivers and the offense. San Diego is averaging 26 points per game, and Rivers is on pace to break Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a season. It's all been for naught, though, as the club is regularly let down by special teams.

And now injuries are catching up to the club, too. Two of Rivers' best weapons-Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd-went down in the loss to the Rams. Gates suffered a toe injury, though he'll likely suit up against New England. Floyd wasn't so lucky. He tweaked a hamstring and will almost surely have to sit out Week 7. Buster Davis and Patrick Crayton did a nice job filling in last week, combining for nine catches, 156 yards and a touchdown.

The Patriots (4-1, 2-2-1 ATS) survived their first test without Randy Moss-barely. New England escaped with a 23-20 overtime victory against the Ravens, and it was far from pretty. Tom Brady threw underneath all day, rarely challenging Baltimore deep. Brandon Tate, who was expected to replace Moss as the deep threat, didn't catch a single pass. At least Deion Branch played well. Branch was reacquired from the Seahawks and quickly found some old chemistry with Brady, hauling in nine receptions for 98 yards and a score.

The Pats haven't been able to stop anybody this year. Ray Rice was held to 88 yards on 28 carries, and New England's run "D" looks pretty sound at this point. The secondary has been much more vulnerable, however, allowing 273 yards per game in 2010. Joe Flacco went 27-35 for 285 yards and two touchdowns.

San Diego and New England haven't met since 2008, when the Chargers earned a 30-10 home victory. The Pats are 6-3 (5-4 ATS) in their last nine meetings with San Diego. New England has gone over the total in four of its five games this season; San Diego has gone over the total in four of its six games. Betus.com has set the total for Sunday's game at 48 points.

Point Spread Pick

Take the Chargers -2.5 available at 5Dimes. Note: Get -105 betting lines at 5Dimes on game day!