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The Patriots (9-3) are in control to retain home field advantage throughout the playoffs as the current number-one ranked seed in the AFC. They can't afford to lose tonight with the Broncos (10-3), Chargers (8-4) and Colts (9-4) right on their heals in this final stretch of the regular season.
The Chargers are projected for the fifth seed at this point, but they have a crowded field of competition when you consider the overall AFC playoff picture heading into this weekend.
Tom Brady and New England have the edge in just about every statistical comparison, but Philip Rivers and the Bolts have home field advantage and every incentive to approach this like a playoff game.
Here is the comparison between the two teams from NFL.com:
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As Texans' fans, we should be pulling for the Patriots to beat the Chargers in this tilt tonight. The music is starting, so settle into your favorite seat with a tasty beverage, and talk Sunday Night Football on Battle Red Blog. The usual rules apply, and the floor is yours.