The New England Patriots begin their 2018 playoff campaign in rare territory. For just the second time in 14 years, the Pats are favored by four points or less in a home playoff game.
That’s as much an indictment of the relative vulnerability surrounding this season’s Patriots team as it is a commendation on this season’s Chargers squad. Los Angeles (12-4) actually has a better record than New England (11-5), but due to the NFL’s playoff format that rewards division winners with home playoff games, the Chargers will once again take to the road to try and prove their mettle.