The New England Patriots (9-3) are in Southern California to take on the San Diego Chargers (8-4) on Dec. 7 at Qualcomm Stadium. Fans can watch online the Patriots vs. Chargers via live stream - free for subscribers - below.
Star quarterbacks Tom Brady of the Patriots and Philip Rivers of the Chargers will each try to lead their respective teams to victory. Although Brady's team lost to the Green Bay Packers 26-21 last week, he is turning his focus into Sunday night's crucial matchup.
"I just wish we would have won this one. We put a lot into this one, and this was a great test for us," Brady said. "I think the guys knew how important this was for our season."
According to the Associated Press, both teams haven't met on the gridiron since 2011. New England is currently 5-1 against San Diego, with its only loss to the Chargers that happened back in 2008.
The Associated Press noted that in the five matchups between the Patriots and Chargers, Brady has 11 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 91.4 rating. In comparison, Rivers has five touchdowns, eight interceptions, a 60.8 completion percentage and a 73.4 passer rating.
"We've never played this Patriot team," Rivers said. "We're 0-0 against this group. There's a lot of guys in that locker room that have never played the Patriots in their life. You can't really say this team is 1-5 against them."
New England coach Bill Belichick flew his team directly to San Diego after losing to the Packers. However, he told the Associated Press that this trip was no vacation.
"The most important thing is to get ready for the Chargers," Belichick said. "That is what it is really all about. We are here to work on the Chargers."
Despite what Belichick says, the Patriots have made the University of San Diego their training base in preparation for Sunday night's game. Although Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis indicated that although the facilities are a bit strange from what he and the team are used to, he is still focused on the task at hand.
"I think the key is to focus on getting the job done while doing some things we don't usually do," Revis said. "We still understand we have the same task: prepare and get to know San Diego and making sure we execute on Sunday and go out and get a win."
The Chargers have won three straight games, including a nail-biting comeback against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. The Associated Press reported that the Chargers scored 21 fourth-quarter points in that game to win 34-33.
Chargers coach Mike McCoy told the Associated Press of how essential Rivers was to his team's gameplay.
"Having a franchise quarterback like who he is, he goes out and earns everything he gets," McCoy said. "It's great to have him on our football team. He's been very efficient. He's done a great job of leading not only the team, but the offense week in and week out."
Even Belichick has commented on the Chargers' gameplay, which could be a challenge for his team.
"They have done a great job," Belichick said. "They are well-coached and have a very good group of players besides Rivers, skill players and depth in backfield. It's a tough team to defend and a good scheme and they do a great job of attacking a defense. We will have to do a great job coaching and playing because there is really no weaknesses in that offense."
Sunday's game between the Chargers and Patriots will air on NBC at 8:30 p.m. ET. While subscriptions are required for both options, sports fans can stream the game live via NBC Sports Live Extra and watch the game on demand through NFL Game Rewind.
