They are all successful in their fields of education, politics, public safety and business. The other thing they have in common is that they are all fans of the New England Patriots.

And like all fans they enjoy playing armchair coach, talk strategy and sometimes make predictions - something they were asked to do in advance of the American Football Conference championship game against the San Diego Chargers tomorrow in Foxborough.

Former U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan, now chancellor of UMass Lowell and a season ticket holder since 1984, likes the Pats, 31-17.

But given the Chargers' upset of the Indianapolis Colts last week, he feels the Patriots need to take care of business and not take the defensively aggressive Chargers and their star running back LaDainian Tomlinson lightly.

"I see three keys to this game," Meehan said.

"First, I think the defense needs to shut down the run. The second key to the game is protecting Tom Brady. The offensive line needs to protect Tom Brady, picking up the blitz so he can continue to play the way he's been playing," Meehan said.

"The third key to the game is preventing turnovers. San Diego has an incredible turnover ratio. You have to play error-free football. There can be no turnovers, no fumbles," he said.

Michelle Auger, principal of Pollard Elementary School in Plaistow, N.H., exuded confidence in the team's winning ways.

"Personally, I think they just need to show up," she said.

Ideally, the Patriots will not only show up, but get ahead early, Auger said. That way she won't have to spend the second half biting nails in nervous suspense.

Lawrence businessman Charlie Daher is resigned to the fact the cold weather might spoil the pre-game tailgate party he's planning in the Gillette Stadium parking lot, but he's picking the Pats to win 21-7.

"Any expert would say the Patriots are going to win the game, but anything freaky can happen because of the weather," said Daher, a season ticket holder for 15 years and owner of the Commonwealth Motors dealership.

"I think it's going to be a close game with the cold weather being the major factor. The ball is going to be like a rock because of this cold. Field goals are going to be a problem. Kickoffs are going to be a problem. I think you're going to see everybody going for the ball," Daher said.

Noting that the Chargers are "a big ball hawking team," Methuen Mayor William Manzi cited the Patriots' ability to avoid turnovers as the key to making their next Super Bowl appearance on Feb. 3.

"And I think they need to stop San Diego's running game," Manzi said, who is picking New England to win 34-18.

"We look for a big game from (quarterback Tom) Brady. And I think our defense has to step it up one more notch. If they can step it up one more notch, victory is assured," Manzi said.

Windham, N.H., Selectman Bruce Breton thinks the Patriots will do great as long as they don't abandon what's brought them this far.

"Stick to their game plan and keep their head in the game," he said.

Londonderry, N.H., fire Capt. James Roger said that if the Pats combined their previous tactics and passing game with his suggestions, it would result in at least a 28-14 outcome.

"Also alternate with (Laurence) Maroney and the running game, so they are keeping the Chargers off guard," he said. "So they aren't sure if they are passing the ball or running the ball."

Atkinson, N.H., police Lt. William Baldwin said running the ball and executing the plays perfectly will certainly lead to victory.

"They have to know their assignments, know their blocks and run the ball," he said. "Then they'll blow them out. The game won't even be a challenge."

Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan is confident of a Patriots' win by two touchdowns and a showdown with Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl.

"The Patriots offense is unstoppable, and I think they can score whenever they have the ball," the mayor said.

"Their defense needs to click a little bit better than the last four games," Sullivan said.

In Haverhill, Mayor James Fiorentini, School Committee member Susan Danehy and City Councilor Michael McGonagle, also all agreed that defense is the key.

"Getting back to the basics. Stopping the run, and making (starting quarterback Philip) Rivers and (backup Charger quarterback) Volek have to beat you," McGonagle said.

Lawrence police Chief John Romero is predicting a 38-21 win. He thinks the biggest factors in the game will be the Chargers' injuries, particularly to Rivers.

"I think Rivers is too banged up, even if he is able to play. They're going to confuse him. He won't be able read defenses."

All of the above are Patriots fans - but none of them have the super fan status of Andover's Mark Feigenbaum.

"My only issue would be the weather," said Feigenbaum, who was Patriots Fan of the Year in 1996 and was the team's representative in the Hall of Fans at the football Hall of Fame in 2000.

"There is no way San Diego is putting up a lot of points, because of their injuries and because of defense. I don't think Tomlinson is going to play that much. I'm pretty confident, the most I've ever felt," said Feigenbaum, a season ticket holder since 1972.

Eagle-Tribune writer Mike LaBella contributed to this report.