It’s Week 8 already! The Patriots are over in sunny LA as they look to go 4-4 on the year and keep their 100% win record over Justin Herbert intact. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac Jones’ improvements have been increasing every week so far this season, with his best game coming in the mauling of the Jets. Tomorrow will be a new test for the rookie, the first long away trip, big stadium, expectations increased of a demanding fan base, but, I love what I’ve seen so far, I back him to continue his good play and have a solid game, watch him closely tomorrow.

Damien Harris

After I put Stevenson on my watch list in Week 7, I’ve decided to just stick with Damien Harris this week, and for good reason. The Chargers have the worst record against the run in the league, and Harris has been on a hot streak of late. If the team can establish the run like they did last week, the passing game should open up nicely for Mac.

Secondary

This position could turn out to be the team’s achilles heel tomorrow. The Pats will be without Jon Jones, who’s now on IR for at least three games and Jalen Mills doesn’t give me a lot of confidence as a replacement. Bill has been working through depth replacements, which is an indication he’s concerned as well.

J.C. Jackson will lead the cornerback group, but they will have their work cut out from the off as the Chargers have some great weapons in the receiving core, not to mention Austin Ekeler, who can be a difference-maker if he’s fit to play.

Matt Judon

After a hot start, Matt Judon has had a few quiet weeks, he’s not been playing badly by any means, but he hasn’t stood out to me as he did through the first few games. In last year’s 45-0 demolition of the Chargers, Herbert was made uncomfortable all day by the Patriots defense, and whilst Herbert has shown considerable improvement in most areas of his game, I think the Patriots can do the same again tomorrow, with Judon being a big part of that.

Electrical Charge ⚡

Who for LA could potentially cause problems for the Patriots?

Justin Herbert

Herbert is a big, athletic quarterback who has definitely made the year-two jump in LA. His rookie season was impressive, and now with a new head coach in Brandon Staley, Herbert has led the team to 4-2 record so far this year. Herbert played the worst game of his career so far against the Patriots last December, so he’ll be itching to prove a point.

Keenan Allen

Allen hasn’t found the endzone much this season, but boy has he helped them move the chains. He is such a terrific pass-catcher and will be a handful for the Pats secondary to cover tomorrow. I think J.C. Jackson will match up against him in all likely hood, but as mentioned above, the secondary is an issue for the team, and having to cover Keenan Allen, let alone the rest of the offensive threats isn’t ideal.

Austin Ekeler

Bill Belichick likened Ekeler to James White this week in his pre-game chat with Scott Zolak, and for good reason, the former UDFA has been dominant for the Chargers over the last few years. Injuries have been a problem for the star running back, Ekeler has been banged up this week and is questionable to play tomorrow, but if he does, it’s a massive weapon for the Chargers, and could be the difference over 60 minutes.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Hunter Henry

Gotta be big 85 this week! If you’re in a bind and need to start fresh at your TE position, throw Hunter in there! He’s looking to have his fifth-straight touchdown game and is averaging 10.63 points so far each week.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 38 – Chargers 28

The Patriots continue on from their dominating performance over the Jets last week, Mac throws for 3 touchdowns and Damien Harris continues his dominance on the ground. Patriots 38 Chargers 28

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Chargers 21

Hopefully the weakness of the LAC run defence can be exploited and the Patriots can rack up some points and make a game of it. Patriots 30 LAC 21