AFC Championship Prediction: San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots

The AFC Championship game is just around the corner and experts are beginning to predict who is going to win the matchup between the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers. Experts are questioning the ability of the Patriots to continue their phenomenal unbeaten. San Diego's gutsy performance last week against defending Super Bowl Champions, the Indianapolis Colts, has elevated the Chargers status in the eyes of those predicting the game. However, a simple analysis of the facts and statistics surrounding the game makes it easy to predict a winner.

The New England Patriots offense has been nothing short of sensational. Their seemingly unstoppable passing attack coupled with a solid running game has made their offense unstoppable. They have set a myriad of team and individual records on the offensive side of the ball under the leadership of the unflappable Tom Brady. The Patriots have put up a league best 36.8 points per game,411 yards per game, and 295 passing yards per game. Additionally, they posted an impressive 115 yards per game rushing. Also, they were one of the best in the league with only 78 penalties.

The San Diego offense is formidable as well, but not to the extent of the Patriots. They scored 25.8 points per game, which was fifth best in the National Football League, but still significantly lower than the Patriots 36 points per game. Shockingly the Chargers are twentieth in the league in yards per game. However, these statistics are trivial in relation to the larger issue at hand. The Patriots success can be attributed to their ability to stay healthy. However, San Diego does not currently have such fortune. Both Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates have been held out of practice this week with injuries. LaDainian Tomlinson has been practicing, but is hurt. These are the three player are the centerpiece of the San Diego offense and their injuries will hamper the offensive production of the team. Volek is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the National Football league. Turner and Sproles are excellent running backs as well, but the depth will not replace the production of the three hurt starters who will not be at 100 percent when the game starts.

The Patriots defense has been adequate during the season and playoffs, while showing up to play when they are needed most. Due to the unprecedented offensive production of the Patriot offense the defense has not been required to play so well. However, they have created key turnovers and stops when required. Expect them to have little difficulty stopping the San Diego offense that will have key injuries.

The San Diego defense is the heart and soul of the team. Shaun Merriman leads an impressive front seven that will have little trouble restraining Maroney and the rest of the Patriot's rushing game. San Diego has impressive corner back depth with Cromartie, Jammer and Florence. However, it is not going to be enough to match the depth of the Patriot's passing attack.

The Patriots have one of the best special teams in the business. As a result they get a slight edge over the Chargers. Despite having a superior defense, I predict that San Diego does not have the talent to beat the Patriots. The weak offense of San Diego will not be able to keep pace with Tom Brady in this important AFC Championship game. Expect the Patriots to win comfortably and continue their run of perfection.

Final Score:

Patriots: 35

San Diego: 21

Sources:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nwe

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/sdg