Mac Jones or Justin Herbert?

You make the call.

But we really think they’re apples and oranges as the New England Patriots face the Chargers in Los Angeles.

Herbert is a gunslinger; Jones is more than a caretaker, but he’s not in the Chargers’ QB’s class – yet. He could be.

The best thing about Jones may be that he’s not interested in those comparisons. He’s perfect for the Patriots as they’re currently constructed, but suddenly it’s becoming more apparent that this team can’t make the playoffs unless it goes on a run, and soon.

“I try to just focus on my job, and how a game will go is just up tot he coaches,” Jones said when asked this week about how he’s used. “They have to make the decisions to, you know, make the right calls, and we just have to execute them. So I try not to play, you know, as a coach. I try to just play as a player.”

His coach, Bill Belichick, sung the praises of Herbert this week.

“He just really had everything you’re looking for,” Belichick said of Herbert when he was being drafted. Good arm. Lots of poise, Played well at Oregeon. … He’s as good a quarterback as I’ve seen come out here in quite a while, especially as it fits the pro game. I don’t think you’re going to find too many better than him.”

Maybe some day Belichick will say that about Mac Jones. Or, well, at least think it.

Nah.

Meanwhile, here’s what we think of this week’s matchups:

CHARGERS 30, PATRIOTS 17

Sorry, this New England secondary is depleted and they’re not facing Mike White or Zach Wilson this week. Not a good matchup, plus you wonder how many current Chargers who were on last year’s team were shamed this week by the coaching staff while watching film of that debacle vs. the Patriots. Could be some motivation.

BUFFALO 27, MIAMI 10

We’ll keep the score down just because Brian Flores is a decent defensive coach, but we told you at the start of the season the Dolphins were not a good team; the Patriots had no business losing to them. The Bills, who have had nearly two weeks with the bye to stew over the loss to Tennessee.

COLTS 21, TITANS 17

We just aren’t quite sure about the Titans, who many think are playing their way into being one of the top three teams in the AFC. And sure, Carson Wentz isn’t exactly someone to count on. But the Colts, after their tough start, have more to lose here. They won’t.

BUCS 23, SAINTS 13

Tompa won’t roll here because New Orleans has a great defense. But the Saints also have Jameis Winston as their QB. The Bucs have you-know-who. ‘Nuff said.

COWBOYS 30, VIKINGS 28

Shoot out in Minneapolis. The Cowboys just look good, period. To be honest, we think even Super Bowl good. The Vikes have been pretenders for awhile, and will continue to be that way. Anothe Dak Attack.

CHIEFS 40, GIANTS 14

Good grief there are some out there who actually think the G-Men can make this close. Pat Mahomes will eat that below-average defense alive, and Kansas City will start the road to recovery.

SEAHAWKS 24, JAGUARS 20

Seattle’s got a bad defense and the Seahawks have Geno Smith as their QB while Russell Wilson’s finger gets healed. But Urban Meyer is comin’ to town, and that should make things better for the team in florescent green.

LAST WEEK: 4-3

SEASON: 34-15

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

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