Forget the fact that the New England Patriots haven't won the Super Bowl, yet, New England's 31-20 SU win (ATS loss) against the Jaguars last week gave the Pats a 17-0 record, equalling them with Nick Buoniconti and the '72 Dolphins.

The Pats can take the next step to immortality with a win this week against San Diego and ultimately two weeks from now at Super Bowl XLII in Arizona.

Sunday, January 18, 2008

San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots (Pats -14, Total 47)

Venue: Gillette Stadium (artificial)

Opening Line: Pats -14½, Total 49½

Records: Chargers 13-5 (13-5-0 ATS, 9-7-2 O/U)
Patriots 17-0 (10-7-0 ATS, 11-5-1 O/U)

Key Injuries

San Diego - Doubtful: TE Antonio Gates (toe) and QB Philip Rivers (knee), Questionable: DT Jamal Williams (ankle) Probable: LB Shawne Merriman (illness)

New England - Out S Mel Mitchell (biceps) Probable: S Rodney Harrison (thigh)

WOL Playcall: Backers of the New England Patriots have been burned when Vegas sets a big line and a similar situation occurs again this week with the Pats -14. Is an upset in the works? Probably not, but taking the Chargers to cover isn't outrageous.

NFL Conference Championships: AFC, NFC