Posted on 1/18/2008 5:24:25 PM

Bet on NFL Playoffs – What Chargers Offense Must Do vs. Patriots Defense

By Russell Edward

Thankfully for the San Diego Chargers and their football betting backers, their running game actually will not take that much of a hit even if LaDainian Tomlinson can’t play this weekend. Turner is a very good back and the team even tried to find him another team to play for this past offseason, but no team was willing to meet their asking price, so he signed a one-year $2.35-million contract to stay in San Diego. Whoever is playing, the Chargers will not change their offensive philosophy; they will attempt to keep the Patriots defense off balance with pre-snap movements and shifts. They will, as always, run the power game and try to put in as many zone plays as they can get away with.

San Diego Chargers +14 at New England Patriots –14

In order to successfully run against the Patriots stalwart and veteran defense, one of the first orders of business will be to block New England’s nose tackle, Vince Wilfork. Wilfork is a huge middle presence and has surprising speed for a man as big as he is. He protects his linemen very well and can penetrate gaps to make plays in the backfield when necessary. If the Chargers can’t block Wilfork, their running game stands very little chance of getting anything going.

AFC Championship Game: Sunday, January 20 at 3 p.m. EST

In the passing game, the Patriots must be frothing at the mouth in anticipation of a possible showdown with Billy Volek. Volek, a career backup, is just that for good reason. He is the type of quarterback that Belichick and the Patriots defense are made to destroy. Regardless of whether it is Volek or Rivers behind center in the AFC Championship Game, New England will employ a variety of exotic blitzes on throwing downs and the Chargers offensive line will have to be well prepared to sustain any sort of pocket, while the quarterback will have to have some very quick reads ready to call at the line.

For the Chargers, they must hope that Antonio gates can play and at least draw some attention away from their wideouts, Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, if they hope to have much success through the air. Volek of Rivers will have to look for one-on-one coverage on whoever is not being guarded by standout cornerback Asante Samuel. If they can take advantage of whoever is lined up against Ellis Hobbs, it is possible that the Chargers might be able to cover this 14-point NFL betting spread, but still highly doubtful that they can pull off the improbable road win.

> > Check AFC Championship Odds Here

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