San Diego Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers, right, jokes with quarterback Billy Volek (7) as they leave the football field Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 in San Diego. Rivers didn't practice Thursday. The Chargers play the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 in Foxborough, Mass.  

The Chargers take on the New England Patriots Sunday in the AFC Championship Game in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  San Diego has won 8 straight and 10 of their last 12 regular season games.  Bill Belichick’s team is undefeated this year and hopes to become the first NFL team ever to finish 18-0.  The 1972 Miami Dolphins ended their season 17-0.  The Pats are also hoping to reach the Super Bowl for the 4th time in 7 seasons.

“The Bolts” lost to New England in Foxboro, 38-14 in Week 2. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDanian Tomlinson are both expected to start Sunday despite suffering injuries during last weekend’s victory over the Colts in Indianapolis.  San Diego’s hoping to play in the Super Bowl for just the 2nd time in franchise history.  Their first appearance was 1995, when they lost to San Francisco, 49-26.  Game time at Gillette Stadium is 12:00 noon Pacific.