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Patriots vs. Chargers

Both teams should be in crisis, but only one is. When New England dumped Randy Moss on Oct. 6, there was much hand-wringing about the offense—until Deion Branch out-Mossed Moss in his first game back as a Patriot, catching nine passes in a 23--20 win over the Ravens. The Chargers, meanwhile, are 2--4, disastrous considering their soft early schedule, which included losses at Oakland and St. Louis. You think it's San Diego's divine right to rule the AFC West? Not this year. The Chiefs are a bona fide 3--2 and don't face a playoff lock in their final 11 games. Norv Turner's job may depend on whether he can get the Chargers back in the race.

Patriots 31, Chargers 29

PHOTO

STEW MILNE/US PRESSWIRE (BRANCH)