The 2020 NFL season has been full of surprises, and has definitely been one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory. One thing that NFL fans are definitely not used to seeing are the New England Patriots third in the division in week 13.

The Patriots are 5-6, coming off of a surprising 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals and are looking to make a final playoff push. Their week 13 matchup against the LA Chargers is a crucial one, that should feature classic Bill Belichick football.

Here are four bold predictions for the Patriots Week 13 matchup against the Chargers:

#1. The Chargers passing offense will be limited by New England's elite secondary

Patriots, Bill Belichick, Stephon Gilmore

The LA Chargers passing offense is ranked second in the NFL, only behind the Kansas City Chiefs. They average over 280 passing yards per game, led by rookie QB, Justin Herbert.

Herbert has been praised by NFL executives and coaches because of his ability to be cerebral and read defenses. However, he has never played Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

Belichick is known for his success against rookie quarterbacks, regardless of how good they are. Coming into Week 13, Belichick and the Patriots are 19-5 against opposing rookie QB's. Belichick does a great job sending multiple complex defensive coverages, confusing even the most cerebral of quarterbacks. The Patriots secondary should cause all kinds of problems for the Chargers on Sunday. I can't see Herbert coming anywhere close to throwing for 280 yards.

#2. Damien Harris will rush for over 100 yards, 2 TDs

Damien Harris, Patriots

The Chargers rank in the bottom half of the NFL when it comes to rushing defense, allowing over 120 yards per game on the ground. The Patriots have struggled immensely in the passing game. Last week, Cam Newton threw 84 yards on 50% completion percentage, no touchdowns and two interceptions, yet they still found a way to win.

I can see the Patriots relying heavily on the run this week, so their lead running back, Damien Harris. Harris has run for over 100 yards three times this season and is poised for a breakout game against an average Chargers rush defense.

Damien Harris is the first Patriot running back to emerge as a legitimate lead running back over the last few years. The usual running back committee has been disbanded because of Harris' impressive performance thus far this season. Harris should see a healthy dose of carries and I could see him not only rack up the yards, but find the end-zone as well.

Expect Damien Harris to have a monster game on Sunday.

#3. Cam Newton will have a completion percentage of over 65%

Cam Newton, Patriots

Cam Newton has definitely struggled with his accuracy over his career, being a career 60% passer. He has never been able to get over the hump in terms of his accuracy, but on Sunday, he won't need to.

The Chargers have one of the best secondary's in the NFL, so this may come as a surprise for most, but I think that Cam will bounce back from a poor performance in week 12.

With the Patriots having a very run-focused approach this week, I don't think Cam will take very many shots downfield and resort to safe, check down passes to running backs and tight ends. As a result, Cam's completion percentage should be higher than average. I wouldn't be surprised if Cam is the more efficient quarterback on Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

#4. The Patriots defense will hold the Chargers under 20 points

Justin Herbert Chargers Anthony Lynn

The Patriots defense has been the focal point of their team over the last few years. They are anchored by their secondary play, but are pretty well rounded all together.

Bill Belichick is known for sending multiple coverages against rookie QB's so I don't expect Herbert to have a big game. In terms of running game, Austin Ekeler could be poised to put up some big numbers, however, he's used mostly in check down situations. Even a massive contribution from Ekeler won't move the chains against this well-coached Patriots team.

As a result, the Chargers turn the ball over, and are unable to reach the red zone very often, leaving them under 20 points for the game.

Overall

With a win in week 13, the Patriots would move to 6-6 and stay alive in the AFC playoff race. With a loss, the Patriots could pretty much throw in the towel for the season. Even if they won the rest of their games, a 9-7 team in the AFC will rarely make the playoffs.

Expect to see Cam Newton make smart, short throws to open receivers. He won't turn the ball over or take chances, and the Patriots will rely heavily on Damien Harris to carry the majority of the offensive workload.

All in all it is expected that the Patriots win this game.