AFC Playoffs: New England Patriots Vs. San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are in for one hell of a battle when they enter Foxboro this upcoming weekend. For a team that has looked so dismal all season long, they have come out firing in the playoffs. The team has definition, character, and determination: all of the things can make a great team into a champion. However, the Chargers lack the personnel, experience, and most of all heart to win this Sunday.

Arguable one of the best players in the NFL, running back LaDanian Tomlinson and starting quarterback Phillip Rivers are banged up for Sundays game. Both players are said to be okay for the game, but knee injures can linger. It is going to be interesting to see if Rivers will be able to rifle a pass into the secondary without it getting intercepted. The way to be New England is through the air. Without that, they won't have a chance at winning with or without a healthy LDT.

Defensively, the San Diego Chargers are a very good team. They have a great line with Luis Castillo and one of the best linebackers in the league: Shawne Merriman. The offensive line of the New England Patriots better be prepared for the blitz as it should be coming from every direction. To counter their blitz packages, expect the Patriots to mix in some screen plays to Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk. Watch out for the two step dump off pass to Wes Welker, who should have good blocking in front of him with Randy Moss and Jabar Gaffney, who is one of the unsung hero's this season for the Patriots.

All in all, New England's offense will prove to be too much for the Chargers Defense. Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer should find a couple of Brady's passes in their hands, but there simple won't be enough turnovers to warrant enough points on offense. Randy Moss is going to run the deep route. Wes Welker is going to run the deep route. Dante Stallworth is going to run the deep route. THEY SIMPLE AREN"T GOING TO STOP THEM ALL!

Defensively- The edge goes to New England. However, this isn't because they have the better defense, but rather that the offense will be too dominating, especially if they are going to be on the field all of the time.

Special Teams: The Chargers have one of the nastiest special teams in the league. Expect, the Chargers offense to see good field position all game, that is if they can stop the Patriots offense.

Offensively- The Patriots. Period. They are too explosive, too experienced, and simply too well-coached. The Patriots will wear the defense down leaving holes and gapes for the run game.

The New England Patriots will take this one in the end. 34-20