In traditional form, Madden NFL 08 for Xbox 360 has returned to tell us the fate of this weekend's game between the Patriots and the Chargers being played in New England. The Patriots enter at 17-0 and the undisputed No. 1 team in the NFL. The Chargers are coming in hot with wins over Tennessee and Indianapolis in weeks 1 & 2 of the playoffs.

While most signs seem to point toward the Patriots; inclimate weather, injuries to San Diego, a heavy favorite in Vegas, and perhaps by destiny, the Chargers do still have a chance. We'll let Madden decide who the true favorite should be.

First Half
The Chargers won the toss and opted to receive. A smart move considering no team wants to play from behind on the Patriots. After moving the chains twice early on with some check down passes to Tomlinson and Gates, the drive stalled and San Diego was forced to punt. When the Patriots took control, they did something unusual. Tom Brady threw an interception. A failed third and short for the Chargers and it led to a 3-0 lead following a 41-yard field goal.

When the Patriots regained possession Brady proved he wasn't going to let one bad throw hold him down as he led a quick scoring drive spanning 5 plays for 73 yards, capped by a 12-yard TD reception by Wes Welker. 7-3 Patriots.

The game went back and forth with some strong defensive stands and a missed field goal by New England before going into half-time with a 14-6 Patriots lead.

Second Half

Starting with the ball in the second half, New England came out with energy and scored on another quick drive, 21-6. Needing a score to keep the game from getting out of hand, the Chargers did just that, behind the strength of a LaDainian Tomlinson 56-yard scamper up the sideline, 21-13. However, as the third quarter closed, Tom Brady was once again leading the Patriots on a drive deep into Charger territory. The start of the 4th quarter was marked with another uncharacteristic turnover, a Laurence Maroney fumble. San Diego capitalized with a field goal to cut the lead to 21-16, but that was as close as they would come.

Brady and company marched down the field on a methodical 7-minute drive in the 4th quarter capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Kevin Faulk to make the lead 28-16. San Diego would not see another chance to score and the Patriots claimed victory and a ticket to the Super Bowl in Phoenix. One game from perfection, the Patriots are in the Super Bowl.