Patriots Win
Patriots defeat Chargers 16-13 in playoffs
Drake Maye / Mike Vrabel / Justin Herbert / Foxborough, United States / New England Patriots /

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Last Updated
1/31/2026
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The Breakdown 100

  • The New England Patriots celebrated a triumphant return to the postseason with a gritty 16-13 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, marking their first playoff win since 2019 and showcasing their tenacious defense.
  • In his playoff debut, quarterback Drake Maye deftly guided the offense, completing 58.6% of his passes while facing immense pressure from the Chargers' defense.
  • The Patriots' defense, described as the “big dogs,” relentlessly pursued Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, delivering six critical sacks that stymied Los Angeles' offensive efforts.
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel's passion shone through in a triumphant postgame speech, even as he humorously dealt with a bloody lip from a celebratory collision with player Milton Williams.
  • The win reignited memories of past Patriots glory, drawing comparisons to the Tom Brady era, while fans and celebrities alike celebrated the accomplishment on social media.
  • As the Chargers grappled with their playoff struggles—including Herbert's 0-3 postseason record—the outcome sparked speculation about the futures of both franchises in their pursuit of playoff success.

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

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