PODCAST: Previewing the Chargers/Patriots game with predictive analytics

For those that are not aware, I am the producer of the Game Theory and Money podcast for the NFL Network. It is a podcast based around the proprietary predictive analytics generated by Cynthia Frelund and co-hosted by Matt “Money” Smith, the radio play-by-play voice of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Each week, Cynthia and Money run through the numbers and use them to preview each of the games coming up on Sunday and Monday. They give special attention to four games per week and extra special attention to the single best game of the week. This week’s game of the week? The Chargers traveling to Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots.

I’d recommend listening to the entire podcast and subscribing to it because duh, but you can skip straight to the Chargers/Patriots preview and conversation by fast-forwarding to 5:51.

The two most interesting takeaways, from my perspective, are as follows....

• Cynthia pointing out that, while the Chargers have impressive sack numbers, L.A. is actually 3rd worst in the league in “pressures” on opposing QBs.
• Money making note of the Chargers running a lot of 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs) to try and cover up the injuries that have decimated the offensive line at LG, RG and RT.

Oh, and according to Cynthia’s system, the Chargers’ odds for reaching the playoffs jump all the way up to 20-25% if they’re able to win in Foxboro on Sunday.

Go Chargers!