Will Drake Maye and the New England Patriots (3-12) play spoiler at home when they host Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) in Week 18?
With the Chargers having a shot at clinching a playoff spot, don’t be surprised if Maye and the Patriots’ offense have their best offensive showing of the season. In challenging the Buffalo Bills a week ago, the Patriots as a team did prove they can be competitive when they come to play. Still, it was turnovers and costly mistakes that were the difference in the game.
If the Patriots can put together a clean game, they should take Jim Harbaugh’s team to the brink in a late-season competitive game in Foxborough. While the defense will need to show up, it all starts with Maye who has shown to be the future of the team. Can he put together a flawless game?
Can he get the ball in the end zone more than two times to give his team a chance to win?
If he does that, the odds are in the Patriots favor to pull off an upset.
Los Angeles Chargers vs New England Patriots game details: How to watch, betting odds
Date: Sunday, Dec. 28, 2024 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium
TV: NFL Network | Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
Betting Odds: Chargers -6; over/under 42.5 (via DraftKings)
Drake Maye passing touchdowns over/under odds vs. Chargers
Drake Maye over 1.5 passing touchdowns in the Week 18 matchup : +185 (Bet $10 to win $28.50).
Key factors:
- Maye has a good tight end in Hunter Henry who once played for the team on the other side. In the same way Herbert leaned on Henry when he was a rookie, Maye is having similar success. That chemistry will show itself in this matchup as the two will connect to move the chains and perhaps get into the end zone.
- Speaking of chemistry, the Maye to Kayshon Boutte connection has found the end zone a couple of times this season via the long ball. With nothing to lose, Maye will be allowed to unleash his arm in this game which should lead to some explosive plays.
More on Drake Maye:
- Maye has thrown for a touchdown in each of the last 5 games and two touchdowns in 2 of those 5 games. With his ability to get outside the pocket and get the ball down field, he should have a couple of shots down the field to make something happen. He also appears due for another three-touchdown performance.
- The Chargers’ defense has given up 2.3 passing touchdowns in the last 3 games, including two passing touchdowns in their last game against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
Prediction: The Patriots have been flirting with an upset win. In Week 18, they finally get it as Drake Maye will pass for three touchdowns, including a touchdown pass to Ja’Lynn Polk who finally has a solid game catching the ball. The Patriots’ defense get a couple of turnovers in a 27-19 victory over the Chargers at Gillette Stadium.