Yes, it was just two years ago, a tough Los Angeles Charger team with an up and coming coach in Anthony Lynn, and veteran quarterback named Philip Rivers who had a heckuva season. They seemed primed to pull off an upset in the AFC Divisional Round in Foxborough.

Of course, that didn’t happen, and the New England Patriots went on to win what would be their last Super Bowl win with Tom Brady taking snaps from center.

And here we are, nearly two years later. The Patriots are headed to the Chargers beautiful new stadium in L.A.that they share with the team that area really cares about, the Rams. Rivers is no longer there, Cam Newton is the Patriots quarterback,and Lynn is likely going to get canned at the end of the season with L.A.at 3-8.

Even though Patriots coach Bill Belichick called the Chargers a “really, really good football team. The Chargers are very impressive.”

“We played them a couple of years ago,” Belichick added. “But quite a bit has changed, and we’ll have to really do a good job of, especially re-familiarizing ourselves with not only playrs but a different offensive scheme and a different quarterback.”

Yes, a lot has changed. The Chargers will have to do the same thing.

It’s too bad the changes aren’t for the better for both teams, with the exception of L.A.’s quarterback. Two years ago a playoff matchup between two really good teams is now a matchup between two teams just looking for a win and go from there.

We’re not looking for that perfect week here, any longer though, as that finally came. Let’s see if we can make it two in a row:

CHARGERS 27, PATRIOTS 20

So many simply assume this is a win for the Patriots. It’s possible, but Cam Newton is going to have to outplay the soon-to-be NFL Rookie of the Year, Chargers QB Justin Herbert. While scoring is a problem for New England, the Chargers average over 25 points a game. Sure, it’s a 3-8 team, but nothing is a given with this Patriots team and L.A.has the edge at the biggest position – QB.

TITANS 30, BROWNS 26

Derrick Henry, Derrick Henry, and more Derrick Henry. It works, and it should work in this one, despite the fact Myles Garrett is returning for Cleveland after a tough bout with COVID-19. The Browns are good, but not against good teams, and Tennessee is one of the top three in the AFC in our opinion.

COLTS 24, TEXANS 17

DeShaun Watson’s streak of great weeks comes to an end as this Indy defense has to recover from a surprisingly bad showing vs. Tennessee last week. Indy needs the game, Philip Rivers is likely to play. If the Colts want to take the next step, this is the type of game they need to win.

RAMS 30, CARDINALS 27

Talk about needing a win, the Cards certainly do. Two of the young hotshot coaches in the game, but from what we saw last week at Gillette there’s still a learning curve for Kyler Murray & Co. Rams coach Sean McVay is 6-0 vs. the Cards.

SEAHAWKS 30, GIANTS 7

Sorry, Big Blue, all good things must come to an end. You’re about to find out how valuable Daniel Jones is when you have a game of Colt McCoy. Seahawks defense also is getting healthy, and Russell Wilson will drive the G-Men nuts.

STEELERS 30, WASHINGTON 23

But the G-Men may still be in first place, since Washington is no match for unbeaten Pittsburgh. But we we still think the Washington Football Team will win the NFC Least. Miracle Comeback QB Kid Alex Smith makes them a better team, but not good enough in this early Monday evening game.

BILLS 27, NINERS 16

It’s a down year for SF, and the Bills appear set to capture the AFC East, although there may be a showdown with Miami on Jan. 3. But for now, the Bills and Josh Allen should be able to handle the nomadic 49ers, who won’t be home likely for the rest of the season. Only in 2020.

LAST WEEK: 7-0

SEASON RECORD: 55 -28

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

Newsletter