Chargers, Cowboys coaches to lead Pro Bowlers
The coaching staffs of the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys have been selected to lead the Pro Bowl teams.
2018 ScheduleAll times ET
2018 Schedule
12-4, 1st in AFC West
Re-grading every NFL team's 2018 offseason moves
With the benefit of hindsight, we reassess which teams aced the draft, free agency, trades and coaching moves last spring and summer.
With Philip Rivers' Super Bowl window closing, Chargers must improve
Improvements at linebacker and along the offensive line could help the Chargers land a home game in the playoffs next season.
Our picks for rookies of the year and the league's all-rookie team
Baker Mayfield revitalized the Browns. Another first-year player led the league in tackles. They're among our best rookies for the season.
Derwin James leads talented, productive rookie class for Chargers
Chargers first-round pick Derwin James is already one of the best safeties in the game, but he was the only Bolts rookie to make an impact.
Chargers TE Gates, 38, not ready to retire
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates doesn't think he's ready to retire after completing a one-year deal and his 16th season with the team.
Chargers return to playoffs but fall short of potential
It was an early exit for the 12-4 Chargers in their first postseason appearance since 2013, but this team should be back.
Seth Walder ESPN Analytics
Stephon Gilmore was the nearest defender on Keenan Allen's 43-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Since then, Philip Rivers is 0-4 with an interception on passes when Gilmore is the nearest defender to the target, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer
2-Man technique with Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore on the interception. With a deep half safety over the top, Gilmore can sit low in man-coverage and undercut any outside breaking route.
Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer
The Patriots offense attacked the Chargers zone coverages in the first half, and physically controlled the line of scrimmage in the run game. With the Chargers using their dime package on defense, the Patriots are running the ball out of 21 personnel (2RB-1TE-2WR).
Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer
Communication bust from the Chargers secondary on the Tom Brady TD throw to Phillip Dorsett. Stack set there (two wide receivers close together). That forces the DBs to talk pre-snap in man-coverage.
Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer
The Patriots used play-action on that scoring drive with Rob Gronkowski showing the "Wham" scheme (trap). That influenced the second-level defenders and opened up a throwing window for Tom Brady vs. zone coverage.
Seth Walder ESPN Analytics
There were 4.5 yards of separation between Keenan Allen and Stephon Gilmore on the Allen touchdown at time of catch, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Gilmore averaged just 2.1 yards of separation between him and the receiving target when he was the nearest defender this season, the fourth-lowest average among all players who were the nearest defender on at least 50 targets.
Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer
Double-move by Keenan Allen on the deep ball throw from Philip Rivers to get the TD. Allen used a quick, inside stick move to beat the coverage. Caught the CB looking back inside.
Matt Bowen ESPN Staff Writer
Clinic drive from the Patriots to get the opening score. Versatility in the run game and underneath throws from QB Tom Brady. Control tempo.
Eric D. Williams ESPN Staff Writer
Philip Rivers practiced wearing a glove on his throwing hand this week. Rivers said he usually wears the glove in games where the temperature is 35 degrees or lower, but he'll will wait until game time to determine if he needs a glove for Sunday.
Eric D. Williams ESPN Staff Writer
Chargers owner Dean Spanos arrives at Gillette Stadium in anticipation of Sunday's matchup between the Bolts and the Patriots.
Chargers' Anthony Lynn on facing Patriots: It's about us
For the Chargers, it's not about playing on the road or the temperature or the opposing coach or quarterback. It's just about the Chargers.
Can Anthony Lynn's success as a head coach lead to more opportunities for black coaches in the NFL? (2:06)
Bill Belichick vs. Anthony Lynn: Will playoff experience matter?
Nobody is more experienced than the Patriots coach, but Lynn's inexperience won't be decisive, according to some who have been in his shoes.
Best bets for the NFL playoffs divisional round
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs features four games that each have their own unique betting angles. Our expert panel breaks down the action and offers their best bets for the weekend.
That time Philip Rivers played through a torn ACL in the playoffs
Philip Rivers played the 2007 AFC Championship Game against the Patriots with a torn ACL. A win Sunday would earn him a trip back to the title game.
NFL evaluators make picks on divisional-round games
Who wins Colts-Chiefs, Cowboys-Rams, Chargers-Patriots and Eagles-Saints?
Can Rivers break winless streak against Brady and Patriots? (0:44)
2018 AFC West Standings
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 565 | 421 |
| Los Angeles | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 428 | 329 |
| Denver | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 329 | 349 |
| Oakland | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 290 | 467 |
2018 Team Leaders
- Offense
- Defense
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Receiving Yards
Tackles
Sacks
Interceptions
Team Stats
Passing Yards255.610th
Rushing Yards117.115th
Points For26.8Tied-6th
Points Against20.68th
