Patriots (9-3), Chargers (8-4)
@ Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
...New England favored on road
By Matt Verderame on Dec 7 2014
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/12/7/7 ... fl-week-14
The New England Patriots are one of the most consistent franchises in all of professional sports. Since the beginning of the 2001 season, New England has made the playoffs 12 times and reached the Super Bowl five times, winning three of them. At 9-3, the Patriots seem destined for another postseason appearance, but face a tough test on Sunday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers.
New England is coming off a 26-21 defeat against the Green Bay Packers, making it all the more dangerous. The Patriots have only lost two games in a row twice since 2010, showcasing the resiliency that has made them winners for over a decade. Tom Brady will try to lead New England closer to another AFC East title, giving it six consecutive crowns. Brady has thrown for 3,243 yards and 28 touchdowns against six interceptions.
On the other sideline, San Diego takes aim at a playoff berth. At 8-4, the Chargers are currently the AFC's fifth seed but have a brutal schedule, playing the Patriots, Broncos, 49ers and Chiefs. Philip Rivers will have a tough test against New England's secondary, led by Darrelle Revis and Jason McCourty. Rivers was terrific last week, beating the Baltimore Ravens with 383 passing yards and a trio of touchdowns.
