There could be some bad blood shed on Sunday when the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots clash in Foxboro. This is the first meeting between the two AFC superpowers since New England edged San Diego 24-21 in last year's playoffs. Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in that loss and was fuming after the game and called the Patriots' celebration in the middle of the San Diego field "disrespectful." Tomlinson wasn't the only one sounding off against the Patriots this week, though, as it seemed every team that ever lost to New England was questioning the validity of that result.
New England head coach Bill Belichick's wallet will be a bit lighter heading into this weekend's game. Belichick was fined $500,000 and the team another $250,000 after they were caught videotaping the Jets' defensive signals last week. New England likely didn't need any extra help against New York last week in a 38-14 win as a 6.5-point favorite. Brady threw for 297 yards with three touchdowns in the win, while Randy Moss had a solid Pats debut with nine receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown. Wes Welker also looked impressive in his first game as a Patriot while catching six passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. The New England defense also got off to a good start, holding the Jets to 227 yards of offense while registering five sacks.
The Chargers started the season with a tough 14-3 win over the Chicago Bears as a 6-point favorite. The usually high-flying Chargers' offense had trouble getting off the ground versus the strong Bears defense. Even Tomlinson had an off-day with only 25 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Tomlinson also had a touchdown pass in the game on a 17-yard strike to tight end Antonio Gates. San Diego's regular passer, quarterback Philip Rivers, struggled in the opener, while completing 22-of-31 passes for 190 yards and an interception. On defense the Chargers recorded an interception and three sacks, but last season's sack leader Shawne Merriman was shut out in that department.
The Patriots are a 3.5-point home favorite in this game.
NFL football betting lines at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook.
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