The Patriots are the biggest pretenders in the NFL. Their three wins came against the Jets (two) and the Texans. The Chargers are a much better team and are getting a great line because of their blowout loss two weeks ago. They will be well-rested after their bye week and should cover this spread easily.

This is a great buy-low spot for the Chargers coming off a blowout loss to the Ravens. It’s also a sell-high spot for the Patriots after they torched the Jets last week. Many are pointing to Bill Belichick’s domination of Justin Herbert last season as a reference point, but Herbert is no longer a rookie. He also has a far better coaching staff around him and has likely poured over that film across the last year. L.A. already has a few quality wins this season, while New England has only defeated three of the league’s worst teams. Austin Ekeler appears to be active, the Chargers are at home, and we’ve passed one key number already despite still eating the hook.

I have zero interest in giving the Patriots 3.5 points but do think the Chargers win at home out of their bye -- there was some concern that Austin Ekeler might miss it, but he has been cleared. New England is listing like 15 guys as questionable, but that's probably Bill Belichick messing with the league. Chargers win by 3.

I realize the Patriots scored 54 points, but that came against the Jets. Their three victories this season have come against the Jets (twice) and the Texans. The Chargers, obviously, are much better than those teams. I expect the L.A. defensive line to dominate this game. I love L.A.

The Chargers defense has been pretty awful this season, so I'm looking to take advantage of the situation with this play. On the other side, while New England's defensive numbers are solid, have you seen the teams the Pats have played? Three games against the Jets and Texans will make everybody look better than they are.

The prevailing storyline is that Patriots coach Bill Belichick, whose defenses have mesmerized young QBs this season, will do it again. Many observers remember the Patriots’ 45-0 win a year ago when Justin Herbert fresh out of college. He is a rookie no more, having led the Chargers to a cover in eight of the last 10 starts. Bettors have knocked down the opening line from six as the Pats come off an overtime loss to unbeaten Dallas and a blowout win over the Jets.