Division Playoff: LA Chargers vs Patriots 1/13/2019

[YankeeRebel]

This is from ACCUWEATHER and Others:


Body temperature regulation is a topic often discussed in science classrooms, but it is not often discussed from the football stands or field. Regulation actually turns out to be very influential when it comes to athletic performance in varying weather conditions.

“In cold or hot temperatures, your body is trying to maintain homeostasis,” said Brendon McDermott, associate professor of the Graduate Athletic Training Program at the University of Arkansas.

A normal body temperature is around 98.6 F, according to the Mayo Clinic. In lower temperatures like those we see near the end of football season, the body will adopt certain mechanisms, such as shivering, in order to keep warm.

James Carter, director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, describes what happens to the body in the cold as “a fight over blood supply.” The active muscles need an increased blood supply, but in the cold, the blood flows away from the skin in order to protect the body’s core.

“You’ve got this shunting of blood flow away from the skin to the interior of the body,” Carter said. “So that essentially is increasing the energy requirements because the body is trying to keep warm and at the same time is providing increased energy for exercise.”

Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game in the snow, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)


Other body processes, like hydration, are also disrupted by cold weather. While water loss from sweat is reduced, increased water loss comes from breathing. Athletes are also at risk for dehydration because thirst is blunted in the cold. Water is a factor in maintaining homeostasis, so dehydration is a risk factor for maintaining body temperature in cold environments.

“Hydration helps maintain our blood volume and we can sweat effectively and dissipate heat and still maintain performance in our working muscles,” McDermott said.

Exercising in the cold also means exercising under much more physiologically stressful conditions. These stressful conditions affect our bodies in various ways.

In general, colder muscles are less efficient muscles. Reactions in the body happen slower in the cold, and muscle contraction is a series of chemical reactions, according to Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, medical director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine.

Nerves that send signals from your brain to the rest of your body move slower when it is colder, which means that reaction time is slowed, Finoff said.

“Your muscles themselves become stiffer so they’re not as pliable and they can’t move as rapidly,” Finnoff said. “If you’re not delivering blood flow and nutrients to the area as quickly, then your muscles don’t have as much energy to do their work.”

Colder, stiffer muscles that aren’t working as efficiently are also more likely to tear, making strains more common in the cooler weather, according to Finnoff.

Experts from ESPN’s “Sport Science” have tested the effects of low temperatures on an athlete’s performance.

According to the video, there are various effects of low temperatures on an athlete’s performance.

First, low temperatures put a greater load on one’s metabolism and increased strain on one’s heart. In low temperatures, the body works harder to maintain a stable temperature. This increased effort requires more energy in order to generate more heat.

RELATED:
5 tips for football fans to brave the cold
How to prevent flare-ups of asthma triggered by cold weather
Skip the gym this season: Why exercising

And of course these only effect one team

 

[Yankee Traveler]

If weather has no effect, then why is so much made of the games played in Denver one mile above sea level? It's not like Denver sits on top of a 5280 foot mountain.

It's because the human body becomes accustomed to a certain environment and does not perform well in an adverse environment.

My first tour in Nam was spent at sea in the Tonkin Gulf. No problem coming from Maine to the Far east at all. My second tour I was a crewman in a helicopter squadron and flew 'In Country' regularly. There were days I had extreme problem problems breathing because of the humidity. I had crotch rot for nearly the entire tour, my feet peeled like a banana. Again, the body must adapt.

The Chargers may played an equivalent to 17 road games, but every one of them was in a friendly environment. They did not play one game in a driving snowstorm, 20 degrees or below or even in freezing rain. They played in hot weather which has become typical over the past 10 years because camp starts in the summer and continues into regular weekly games in the fall and early winter. Playing in 60,70 and 80mdegrees for most of the year. Playing a single game in 50 degree weather can be almost pleasant.

I can't ait to see how many of these idiots come walking out on the field with macho bare arms if the wind chill is zero or below. Watch to see how many are standing or sitting in front of the heater jet with an insulated cape trying to thaw frozen sweat during the game and tell me the temp has no effect.

If weather did not have an effect, Kraft would have built a dome.
Bledsoe convinced him not to because of the advantage it gave them over visiting teams from the south, or that played in domes, specifically, this time of year.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

This is from ACCUWEATHER and Others:


Body temperature regulation is a topic often discussed in science classrooms, but it is not often discussed from the football stands or field. Regulation actually turns out to be very influential when it comes to athletic performance in varying weather conditions.

“In cold or hot temperatures, your body is trying to maintain homeostasis,” said Brendon McDermott, associate professor of the Graduate Athletic Training Program at the University of Arkansas.

A normal body temperature is around 98.6 F, according to the Mayo Clinic. In lower temperatures like those we see near the end of football season, the body will adopt certain mechanisms, such as shivering, in order to keep warm.

James Carter, director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, describes what happens to the body in the cold as “a fight over blood supply.” The active muscles need an increased blood supply, but in the cold, the blood flows away from the skin in order to protect the body’s core.

“You’ve got this shunting of blood flow away from the skin to the interior of the body,” Carter said. “So that essentially is increasing the energy requirements because the body is trying to keep warm and at the same time is providing increased energy for exercise.”

Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game in the snow, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)


Other body processes, like hydration, are also disrupted by cold weather. While water loss from sweat is reduced, increased water loss comes from breathing. Athletes are also at risk for dehydration because thirst is blunted in the cold. Water is a factor in maintaining homeostasis, so dehydration is a risk factor for maintaining body temperature in cold environments.

“Hydration helps maintain our blood volume and we can sweat effectively and dissipate heat and still maintain performance in our working muscles,” McDermott said.

Exercising in the cold also means exercising under much more physiologically stressful conditions. These stressful conditions affect our bodies in various ways.

In general, colder muscles are less efficient muscles. Reactions in the body happen slower in the cold, and muscle contraction is a series of chemical reactions, according to Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, medical director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine.

Nerves that send signals from your brain to the rest of your body move slower when it is colder, which means that reaction time is slowed, Finoff said.

“Your muscles themselves become stiffer so they’re not as pliable and they can’t move as rapidly,” Finnoff said. “If you’re not delivering blood flow and nutrients to the area as quickly, then your muscles don’t have as much energy to do their work.”

Colder, stiffer muscles that aren’t working as efficiently are also more likely to tear, making strains more common in the cooler weather, according to Finnoff.

Experts from ESPN’s “Sport Science” have tested the effects of low temperatures on an athlete’s performance.

According to the video, there are various effects of low temperatures on an athlete’s performance.

First, low temperatures put a greater load on one’s metabolism and increased strain on one’s heart. In low temperatures, the body works harder to maintain a stable temperature. This increased effort requires more energy in order to generate more heat.

RELATED:
5 tips for football fans to brave the cold
How to prevent flare-ups of asthma triggered by cold weather
Skip the gym this season: Why exercising

Damn it with the science on the football field.
As long as we all agree temperature and pressure have no relationship....

 

[Yankee Traveler]

And of course these only effect one team

Of course it effects both teams, it effects the team that does not regularly practice in it much more though.

 

[YankeeRebel]

Of course it effects both teams, it effects the team that does not regularly practice in it much more though.

Yeah I do not agree.

The body as stated in the article operates at 98.6 matter not if it's Brady or Rivers. Hydration or dehydration is a controlled affect and at this point players and managers know how to handle this point being is these effects occur the same. The Denver thing made no sense either that is not weather that is atmosphere, the air is thinner and that does effect you hell I notice it when I hike.

Again it's supposed to be 29 so it's not even sub zero it's very very manageable. If it were -14 with 25MPH winds and driving snow I might consider it but even at that it's more mental than physical IMO

 

[sharkymcwrath]

Yeah I do not agree.

The body as stated in the article operates at 98.6 matter not if it's Brady or Rivers. Hydration or dehydration is a controlled affect and at this point players and managers know how to handle this point being is these effects occur the same. The Denver thing made no sense either that is not weather that is atmosphere, the air is thinner and that does effect you hell I notice it when I hike.

Again it's supposed to be 29 so it's not even sub zero it's very very manageable. If it were -14 with 25MPH winds and driving snow I might consider it but even at that it's more mental than physical IMO

That's what I was trying to say. Mid to upper 20's is not horrible and if there's no huge wind and the sun is shining I simply think it won't be a huge advantage for NE.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Yeah I do not agree.

The body as stated in the article operates at 98.6 matter not if it's Brady or Rivers. Hydration or dehydration is a controlled affect and at this point players and managers know how to handle this point being is these effects occur the same. The Denver thing made no sense either that is not weather that is atmosphere, the air is thinner and that does effect you hell I notice it when I hike.

Again it's supposed to be 29 so it's not even sub zero it's very very manageable. If it were -14 with 25MPH winds and driving snow I might consider it but even at that it's more mental than physical IMO

So let me ask, where do you live?
Hot and humid where you are?
Cold and damp?
Freezing?
Arid?
Perfect blend of all weather conditions at all times is what I imagine for you, but I could be wrong.

Have you ever traveled someplace else, FAR away from where you live and not had to acclimate to the prevailing weather conditions? Little more humidity so your sweat doesn't evaporate like your used to, or visa versa, you need to drink more to stay hydrated?
Little hotter than your used to, little colder than your used to. How long does it take you to acclimate?
Immediately? Are you perfectly acclimated to every weather condition on earth at all times?


University of Iowa says it takes two weeks.
Acclimatization- adjusting to the temperature

The United States Army says it takes about to weeks for it's Elite soldiers.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/how-do-our-bodies-adjust-to-extreme-temperatures-1503474690

According to some studies it can take up to 3 months for your body to completely adapt to a new climate.
https://health.usnews.com/health-ne...ws/16-ways-your-body-adjusts-to-a-new-climate

But sure. Not even a smidgen of an advantage for New England when the other team is coming from LA, a city 550 miles further south. I know, it is further west too.

Sure thing.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

That's what I was trying to say. Mid to upper 20's is not horrible and if there's no huge wind and the sun is shining I simply think it won't be a huge advantage for NE.

I agree with this.
Not a huge advantage, but an advantage nonetheless.
Any advantage is worth it.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

The temp will be an issue just as a Florida or southern Cali person coming up here would be uncomfortable in the winter.

Ever seen the news when they get a cold snap in an ordinarily warm region? They are dressed up like it's 0 not 40.

Just like NE going to Mia in December. The temp is always a concern.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Well I'm pretty sure at 30 degrees the Chargers players won't be wearing parkas, mukluks, baklava's and mittens during the game.

No that would be the Dolphin players. Then again they're not accustomed to playing in Jan.

 

[Southieinnc]

Presumably he meant C not F

Freezing is freezing, whether it be 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C.

I said below freezing.....

 

[Southieinnc]

This is from ACCUWEATHER and Others:


Body temperature regulation is a topic often discussed in science classrooms, but it is not often discussed from the football stands or field. Regulation actually turns out to be very influential when it comes to athletic performance in varying weather conditions.

“In cold or hot temperatures, your body is trying to maintain homeostasis,” said Brendon McDermott, associate professor of the Graduate Athletic Training Program at the University of Arkansas.

A normal body temperature is around 98.6 F, according to the Mayo Clinic. In lower temperatures like those we see near the end of football season, the body will adopt certain mechanisms, such as shivering, in order to keep warm.

James Carter, director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, describes what happens to the body in the cold as “a fight over blood supply.” The active muscles need an increased blood supply, but in the cold, the blood flows away from the skin in order to protect the body’s core.

“You’ve got this shunting of blood flow away from the skin to the interior of the body,” Carter said. “So that essentially is increasing the energy requirements because the body is trying to keep warm and at the same time is providing increased energy for exercise.”

Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game in the snow, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)


Other body processes, like hydration, are also disrupted by cold weather. While water loss from sweat is reduced, increased water loss comes from breathing. Athletes are also at risk for dehydration because thirst is blunted in the cold. Water is a factor in maintaining homeostasis, so dehydration is a risk factor for maintaining body temperature in cold environments.

“Hydration helps maintain our blood volume and we can sweat effectively and dissipate heat and still maintain performance in our working muscles,” McDermott said.

Exercising in the cold also means exercising under much more physiologically stressful conditions. These stressful conditions affect our bodies in various ways.

In general, colder muscles are less efficient muscles. Reactions in the body happen slower in the cold, and muscle contraction is a series of chemical reactions, according to Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, medical director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine.

Nerves that send signals from your brain to the rest of your body move slower when it is colder, which means that reaction time is slowed, Finoff said.

“Your muscles themselves become stiffer so they’re not as pliable and they can’t move as rapidly,” Finnoff said. “If you’re not delivering blood flow and nutrients to the area as quickly, then your muscles don’t have as much energy to do their work.”

Colder, stiffer muscles that aren’t working as efficiently are also more likely to tear, making strains more common in the cooler weather, according to Finnoff.

Experts from ESPN’s “Sport Science” have tested the effects of low temperatures on an athlete’s performance.

According to the video, there are various effects of low temperatures on an athlete’s performance.

First, low temperatures put a greater load on one’s metabolism and increased strain on one’s heart. In low temperatures, the body works harder to maintain a stable temperature. This increased effort requires more energy in order to generate more heat.

RELATED:
5 tips for football fans to brave the cold
How to prevent flare-ups of asthma triggered by cold weather
Skip the gym this season: Why exercising

I was in Alaska at 70 degrees below zero. Thing I noticed was my penis disappeared.....

 

[YankeeRebel]

So let me ask, where do you live?
Hot and humid where you are?
Cold and damp?
Freezing?
Arid?
Perfect blend of all weather conditions at all times is what I imagine for you, but I could be wrong.

Have you ever traveled someplace else, FAR away from where you live and not had to acclimate to the prevailing weather conditions? Little more humidity so your sweat doesn't evaporate like your used to, or visa versa, you need to drink more to stay hydrated?
Little hotter than your used to, little colder than your used to. How long does it take you to acclimate?
Immediately? Are you perfectly acclimated to every weather condition on earth at all times?


University of Iowa says it takes two weeks.
Acclimatization- adjusting to the temperature

The United States Army says it takes about to weeks for it's Elite soldiers.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/how-do-our-bodies-adjust-to-extreme-temperatures-1503474690

According to some studies it can take up to 3 months for your body to completely adapt to a new climate.
https://health.usnews.com/health-ne...ws/16-ways-your-body-adjusts-to-a-new-climate

But sure. Not even a smidgen of an advantage for New England when the other team is coming from LA, a city 550 miles further south. I know, it is further west too.

Sure thing.

When it state to acclimate that means to come accustom to not what team have to do. Thehave to deal with for three hours, will dress appropriately, have heaters on the sideline, hit the locker room at half time. And again there are team trainers and doctors to deal with hydration etc. These guys are not moving from one area to another where re-acclimating is a factor. They are there for a very short time and will be coddled during the process.

Again it's going to be 30 degrees. If you think any man can handle that when appropriately being taken care of then that is your belief.

And yes when I travel from FL back to NH I know there is weather diff and I plan for it and Im okay the whole time I am there.

 

[YankeeRebel]

I agree with this.
Not a huge advantage, but an advantage nonetheless.
Any advantage is worth it.

At that temp its more mental and once they get fired up and start playing the game I doubt it matters at all

 

[Southieinnc]

At that temp its more mental and once they get fired up and start playing the game I doubt it matters at all

I was at the Titans / Patriots playoff game. it was -4. Had a chance to ride with a trainer on the e-train after the game. I asked him if some of the players "just can't do it" He said yes. There were players that never took the field for the Titans. I didn't see anybody missing for the Pats. It was colder than Alaska with the humidity and wind off the bay.
I have seen cold most men will never see and I will tell you some just cannot take it - even athletes.....

 

[YankeeRebel]

I was at the Titans / Patriots playoff game. it was -4. Had a chance to ride with a trainer on the e-train after the game. I asked him if some of the players "just can't do it" He said yes. There were players that never took the field for the Titans. I didn't see anybody missing for the Pats. It was colder than Alaska with the humidity and wind off the bay.
I have seen cold most men will never see and I will tell you some just cannot take it - even athletes.....

Okay?

When -4 and 30 degrees feel the same we can discuss that further.

 

[YankeeRebel]

All this talk about he weather I am done with. It's okay to disagree and I am cool with people not agreeing with my take on this. On an interesting side note the Pats and Bolts will be making history with the first female ref to ref a playoff game. In years this will be a great trivia question along with who is the only team to win a super bowl and never hold a lead during the game?

 

[BigKen]

It's 20 degrees right now in the Boston area. This is a bearable temp for most people who "live" here year round. The sun is shining and to look outside it appears to be very pleasant. If a game was played as it appears outside, I would say that there might be a slight agvantage for the Patriots to start and as the game wore on, it might equalize.

Here's the problem for the visitors. There's a 25 mph wind blowingandyou can't see it unless you look at the trees, which have no leaves. No leaves allows the wind to blow freer and more direct. That 20 degree air temp now has a wind chill factor that makes the air feel like -8. I don't give a rat's ass what anyone "thinks". This is a problem for teams that have played or practiced in this type of cold at all.

What one team has must be available to other team. There will be heat jets on the sidelines, but you will not see any Patriots standing in the heat blast unless they get dinged. Why? Get heat to a dinged area will increase blood circulation and relieve the pain quicker. Cold players who get in the heat blast to get warm, will be even colder when they walk away from it. Smart players will wrap themselves with the quilted knee length hoodies and turn their back to the wind. Their body will create enough heat to make them comfortable and not be shocked when they have to uncover and go back on the field. The other smart thing is to take off one's helmet and put on the sweat eveaporators on the back of the bench. A dry helmet is much more comfortable than a wet one, especially one with ice if you just set down somewhere.

Most recent forecast on CBS this morning is that the overnight temp on Saturday will be 15 degrees and the temp at6 game time will be 20. The wind will be 15-39 MPH. By the fourth quarter the temp is expected to be about 18 with the smaeprevailing winds. So right now the game will be played in a wind chill factor of 3 to -5 degrees. There is the possibility of snow.

The ball will be as had as a piece of maple. Trajectory and speed will be affected by the cold and the wind. I would give the Patriots an advantage because they have been practicing outside all week and they actually practices in heavy snow on Wednesday.

 

[BigKen]

15-39

That should be 15-30 mph not 39. Sorry.

 

[BigKen]

Boston Herald Saturday January 12, 2018

How will this game shake out? Let’s take a look at the matchups.

Quarterback

Tom Brady vs. Philip Rivers

Brady has played in the most postseason games in NFL history, with Sunday’s contest against the Chargers set to go down as his 38th playoff entry. Last season, at age 40, he produced a season worthy of NFL MVP honors while guiding the team to the Super Bowl. This year, with less talent around him, he hasn’t been nearly as good statistically. But with five Super Bowls tucked away, and the ability to dial it up in the playoffs, it’s never a good idea to bet against No. 12.

As for Rivers, he’s the most accomplished active quarterback without a title. His legend certainly grew in New England in January of 2008 when he took on an unbeaten Pats team in the AFC Championship, reportedly playing with a torn ACL and nearly pulling out a victory.

In 13 years, with four different head coaches, he has led 30 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. But he’s also been prone to making mistakes, throwing killer picks.

In seven starts against Brady, Rivers is 0-7 (including 0-2 in the playoffs). While their passing numbers are similar this season in terms of yards, touchdowns and interceptions, the edge goes to the guy with the rings.

Edge: Patriots



Running backs

Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead vs. Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson

The Pats running attack ran a bit hot and cold this year. When they ran well, they were dominant. At other points, they struggled. They operated best with Michel and White as the one-two punch with fullback James Develin setting the tone physically. Rookie Michel had four 100-yard games. White, with 87 receptions, set a team record for backs. Burkhead came off injured reserve late in the year. He’s one more weapon running and catching the football.

As for the Chargers, they sport the third best rushing offense in the league. Gordon is a threat between the tackles and in the short passing game. The Pro Bowler averaged 114.6 yards from scrimmage. He’s a bit dinged up however, with right and left knee injuries. Ekeler is a multi-purpose back who does a little bit of everything. If Gordon didn’t have knee problems, the check with go to the Chargers. He’s not healthy.



Edge: Patriots

Offensive line

Trent Brown, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon vs. Russell Okung, Dan Feeney, Mike Pouncey, Michael Schofield III, Sam Tevi

The Pats O-line did a much better job protecting Brady this season as opposed to last, cutting sack totals down from 35 to 21. The unit was also a force run-blocking when the occasion called for it. There were some issues later in the year with penalties. But on the whole, the line proved a strength.

The Chargers line, which features Pro Bowl center Pouncey, didn’t do as good a job protecting Rivers this year, compared with last year, where he only went down 18 times. This year, the number rose to 32. The Bolts, however, had one of the best running games in the league during the year thanks to the men up front.

Edge: Even

Wide receivers

Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams

The Patriots had Josh Gordon for 11 games, and he provided a boost to the receiving corps, but they no longer have his talents. So Brady relies on Edelman, who continues to deliver with timely catches. Patterson chips in with an occasional big play. Hogan and Dorsett found their way back into the offense the final game.

The Chargers are loaded at receiver starting with Pro Bowler Allen (97 receptions for 1,196 yards and 6 TDs) and Mike Williams, who averaged 15.4 yards a catch during the regular season with a team-best 10 touchdown catches. Tyrell Williams (41 catches) and Travis Benjamin (15.5 yards a catch) are icing on the cake.

Edge: Chargers

Tight ends

Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen vs. Virgil Green, Antonio Gates

Due to back and ankle injuries, Gronkowski hasn’t been the force most people have been accustomed to seeing over the years. He’s not been a player teams fear. Still, opposing teams would be wise not to completely ignore him. He can still do damage both as a pass catcher and blocker. Allen’s only purpose has been as a blocker.

The Chargers have Gates, whose best days are behind him but the future Hall of Famer still makes plays for Rivers. He had 28 catches for 333 yards with 2 TDs during the regular season. Green is a decent blocker in the running game. He had 19 catches for 210 yards and a touchdown. Add them together, and they combine for roughly the production of Gronk (47 catches, 682 yards, 3 TDs).

Hunter Henry, who hasn’t played since suffering a torn ACL in May, was activated Monday and could be eligible for Sunday’s game. He’s one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the game, but a complete unknown coming off that surgery so soon if he plays.

Edge: Patriots

Defensive backs

Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon vs. Michael Davis, Casey Hayward Jr., Adrian Phillips, Desmond King, Derwin James

The Patriots secondary emerged as the strength of the defense led by All-Pro corner Gilmore. Rookie Jackson took over the starting job opposite Gilmore Week 13. Jason McCourty and Jonathan Jones also see a lot of time as the third corner or slot corner and have been effective. The safety group brings a lot of veteran playoff experience to the table.

For the Bolts, Hayward is a two-time Pro Bowler at cornerback. Rookie safety James has emerged as a big-time playmaker, while King is a tough defender as a slot corner.

Edge: Chargers

Linebackers

Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts vs. Kyle Emanuel, Hayes Pullard, Uchenna Nwosu

Hightower managed to get through the season relatively healthy and stay off IR which was a bonus. Van Noy enjoyed his best year and Roberts showed improvement. This group isn’t the speediest and has proven vulnerable in coverage against backs.

The Chargers unit does boast some speed, but is the worst in the league in terms of covering backs. Nwosu made the big play at the end of the Ravens game to secure that victory, coming off the edge to strip Lamar Jackson of the ball in the closing minute.

Edge: Even

Defensive line

Trey Flowers, Lawrence Guy, Malcom Brown, Deatrich Wise vs. Joey Bosa, Darius Philon, Brandon Mebane, Melvin Ingram III

The Patriots haven’t been able to stop the run effectively most of the season. They’ve been gashed down the middle. They’ll need to plug the holes going forward. Among the group, Flowers (7.5 sacks) has had the best year.

The Chargers have a terrific front with Bosa (5.5 sacks) and Ingram (7 sacks) flying in from the edges to lead their pass rush. They were without Mebane, one of their best run defenders, against the Ravens. His daughter Makenna, who was born prematurely, passed away last week. He told Chargers reporters he would be ready to play against the Patriots.

Edge: Chargers

Special teams

Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Cordarrelle Patterson, Julian Edelman vs. Mike Badgley, Nick Rose, Donnie Jones, Desmond King

If you’re talking punt or kick coverage, the Patriots special teams units haven’t had the best season. It’s been better of late, but the Pats have still been prone to long returns. Gostkowski has missed a few makeable kicks, but on the whole, has been pretty solid. Allen once again has been terrific as a situational kicker. Patterson earned second team All-Pro for his kick return prowess.

For the Chargers, rookie Badgley has solidified an area that has caused much grief every year. He kicked five field goals against the Ravens. The Bolts, however, had a kick and punt blocked by the Ravens. So that’s something to watch. They just added Rose for kickoffs because he has a stronger leg for touchbacks to avoid Patterson. In the cold, and swirling wind in Foxboro, it might not matter. King is an All-Pro special teams player. He had big punt and kick returns against the Ravens.

Edge: Even

Coach

Bill Belichick vs. Anthony Lynn

It’s hard for the Patriots to lose this matchup no matter who’s standing on the other sideline. Belichick is the only head coach in NFL history with five Super Bowl titles. He has the most wins among all active coaches and is third all-time with 289 victories as a head coach. Only Don Shula (347) and George Halas (324) have won more. He’s basically seen and done it all. Few if any of the current coaches hold a candle to him.

Anthony Lynn is in his second season with the Bolts. He started out 0-4 his first year. Since that point, has gone 22-7 counting Sunday’s AFC wild card win over the Ravens. After so many underachieving seasons, he has the Chargers back in the playoffs, and a legitimate contender. As a player, Lynn, a running back, was part of Denver’s back-to-back Super Bowl champion teams (1997-1998).

Edge: Patriots