Even against a banged-up Los Angeles Chargers team, the New England Patriots will still enter Sunday’s game at home as 5.5-point underdogs.
It’s no surprise considering the Patriots have looked like one of the worst teams in football after blowing three consecutive games in a winnable stretch against the Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants.
The 2-9 Patriots are in danger of missing the playoffs entirely if they bite the dust against the Chargers. Bailey Zappe is expected to start over Mac Jones at quarterback with backup Malik Cunningham potentially working into some packages at the position.