Patriots Win
Patriots beat Chargers 16-3 in wild-card win
Drake Maye / Mike Vrabel / Milton Williams / Justin Herbert / Foxborough, United States / New England Patriots /

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Last Updated
1/13/2026
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596
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The Breakdown 100

  • In a thrilling return to playoff glory, the New England Patriots secured their first postseason victory since 2019, dominating the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the AFC Wild Card round.
  • The Patriots' defense delivered a powerhouse performance, sacking Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert six times and stifling the offense to just three points throughout the game.
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel unintentionally received a bloody lip from a celebratory headbutt by player Milton Williams, adding a wild twist to the already intense atmosphere.
  • In his playoff debut, quarterback Drake Maye showed resolve despite a rocky start, completing crucial passes, including a touchdown to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter.
  • The electric energy in Gillette Stadium was palpable as fans celebrated the team's return to playoff football, marking an exciting chapter in this new era post-Tom Brady.
  • With defense as their hallmark, the Patriots plan to harness their aggressive strategy and teamwork as they set their sights on advancing deeper into the playoffs.

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Drake Maye / Mike Vrabel / Milton Williams / Justin Herbert / Foxborough, United States / Los Angeles, United States / New England Patriots / Los Angeles Chargers /

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