Do the Los Angeles Chargers have a prayer against the New England Patriots in Foxboro on Sunday?
History says no, but NFL betting is about predicting the future, not wallowing in the past. So oddsmakers have made the Chargers a modest 4-point road underdog at Bovada Sportsbook as they look to upend New England’s lengthy playoff winning streak at home.
Chargers vs Patriots Betting Preview
Last week, the Chargers knocked off the Baltimore Ravens 23-17 as a 3-point underdog. The Chargers have now won seven straight on the road both straight up and against the spread, and as an underdog they’ve won their last five.
But the Chargers have won just once in 9 visits to Foxboro since 1980 and they face a Pats team that is 15-0 SU, 12-3 ATS in their past 15 as home chalk. That domination translates well in the playoffs, as they are 8-0 SU, 6-2 ATS as playoff home faves.
New England was undefeated at home this season at 8-0 SU and 6-2 ATS. Against the Chargers New England has won four in a row SU and ATS, and they’re 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in their last eight against them at home.
Pick
It’s tough to bet against the Patriots at home in the playoffs, and we won’t be this week, taking them at -4.
Saints vs Eagles Betting Preview
In Sunday’s other matchup, the New Orleans Saints host the Philadelphia Eagles as an 8-point favorite over at BetOnline.ag.
The Eagles escaped with a 16-15 win over the Chicago Bears last week as a 6.5-point underdog. That was their fourth straight win, during which they are 3-0-1 ATS, and in their last seven they are 6-1 SU and 4-2-1 ATS. As an underdog in the playoffs the Eagles have won four straight and they’re 9-1 ATS in their last 10.
The Saints faced the Eagles in Week 11 and completely destroyed them in a 48-7 win as a 7-point favorite. At home in the playoffs, New Orleans has won six straight but they’re only 3-3 ATS. As a playoff favorite the Saints are also a lackluster 2-8 ATS.
An interesting betting trend for OVER bettors here. The Saints have been home playoff favorites 8 times since 1980 – every game played OVER the total.
Pick
Despite the Week 11 blowout, we’ll take the Eagles +8, as we expect New Orleans to take this one by no more than a field goal.