Patriots beat Chargers in AFC Wild Card showdown

FOXBORO — Playoff football is back in New England as the Patriots beat the Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round.

The New England Patriots earned their first postseason victory in seven years Sunday night, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 16–3 in an AFC Wild Card showdown at Gillette Stadium.

Quarterback Drake Maye, making his playoff debut after a breakout 2025 season, played with poise and control as New England leaned on a suffocating defense. The Patriots set the tone early and never let go, holding the Chargers to just a single field goal on the night.

New England’s defense pressured and contained Justin Herbert throughout the game, shutting down explosive plays and forcing Los Angeles into repeated stalled drives.

In his first season as head coach, Mike Vrabel has guided the Patriots to a 14–3 regular-season record and a return to postseason relevance, completing a dramatic turnaround after years outside the playoff picture.

With the win, the Patriots advance to the Divisional Round and will host the winner of the Texans–Steelers matchup next Sunday at Gillette Stadium, with kickoff expected at either 3:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

January football is officially back in Foxboro.

Patriots beat Chargers in AFC Wild Card