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The fight for a shot at a conference championship continues into Sunday with a pair of Divisional Round NFL playoff games. Here’s what you need to know to stay caught up on the action.
Los Angeles Chargers (12-4) at New England Patriots (11-5)
Game time: 1:05 PM ET
Where: Gillette Stadium
TV Channel: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Jay Feely, Gene Steratore
Radio: WESTWOOD ONE: Ian Eagle, Tony Boselli, Hub Arkush | SIRIUS: 88 (WW1), 82 (LAC), 83 (NE) | XM: 88 (WW1), 226 (LAC), 225 (NE)
Referee: Ron Torbert
Odds: Patriots -4
SB Nation Websites: Chargers: Bolts From The Blue | Patriots: Pats Pulpit
The Los Angeles Chargers narrowly escaped the Baltimore Ravens last weekend, beating them 23-17. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers returned to form in 2018, throwing for 4,308 yards and 32 touchdowns. Rivers is supported by his arsenal of young offensive weapons in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Melvin Gordon. Their defense is led by Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Derwin James, who led the team with 105 tackles.
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady seek to add to their legacy, by making their seventh straight AFC Championship game. The Patriots boast one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, but most of the emphasis will be on their defense. While they have struggled defensively at times in 2018, they will need to have a strong performance in order to beat the Chargers.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) at New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Game time: 4:40 PM ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV Channel: FOX
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis, Pam Oliver, Peter Schrager
Radio: WESTWOOD ONE: Kevin Harlan, James Lofton, Ross Tucker | SIRIUS: 88 (WW1), 82 (Phi), 83 (NO) | XM: 88 (WW1), 226 (Phi), 225 (NO)
Referee: Carl Cheffers
Odds: Saints -8
SB Nation Websites: Eagles: Bleeding Green Nation | Saints: Canal Street Chronicles
After being blessed with one of the biggest kicking gaffs in playoff history, the Eagles seek to build on their 16-15 win over the Bears. Philadelphia is led by their formidable defensive line, headed by Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox. Nick Foles is eyeing another Super Bowl run in place of star quarterback Carson Wentz.
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees finished this season as the most efficient quarterback in 2018. He looks to flex his offensive fire power against a team that barely qualified for the playoffs.