A shocking result?

It's almost 10 Eastern on Thursday, and before all the media heads release their weekend picks, the Chargers are almost universally 14-point underdogs after opening +14.5. (New England has covered just one of their last seven.)

I think you have to like New England in this match-up, especially given the injury situation (for official NFL reports click here).

The Union-Tribune collects some of the most inflammatory dismissals of the Chargers. Says Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

“ . . . The Patriots did their part, but the Colts choked. So instead of the best rivalry in sports, we get Chargers-Patriots. Sorry, Chargers, but nobody outside of San Diego is excited by this.

“The Chargers are denying us a great game.”

But the Chargers haven't won eight games in a row by fluke. They take away the ball more than anyone, even if the Pats give it away the least.

Another question is whether Moss will be distracted by the off-the-field fiasco of this week. I doubt it, but he's never been known for an even temperment.

Ultimately, I think the Chargers need to follow the Ravens' game plan against the Pats. Tomlinson/Turner can definitely run the ball as McGahee did. And the Chargers front 7 should be able to blitz. Call me Captain Obvious, but Brady doesn't like to get hit. And if you don't give Brady time to work, Welker, Watson, Moss and crew will have a harder time finding a way to get open.

In the end, I'm sure the Patriots will win, even if takes Brady or a Patriots receiver calling for an undeserved flag and getting it (see aforementioned Ravens game). I'm not calling it the NBA, but the more revered players tend to get the benefit of the doubt.

Pick: New England 31 San Diego 28

--Nate Sandstrom