What to KnowTurn to NBC Sports Boston immediately after the game for Postgame Live with Michael Holley, Tom E. Curran, Phil Perry and Ted Johnson.The Patriots (14-3) are back in playoffs for first time since 2021.The Chargers (11-6) have won just one playoff game since 2013.Patriots QB Drake Maye is making his playoff debut after MVP-caliber 2025 season.Tonight’s winner will meet the Texans or Steelers in Divisional Round.
FOXBORO — After a storybook regular season, the real work begins for the New England Patriots as they make their first playoff appearance in four years.
The Patriots (14-3) will host the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) for an AFC Wild Card showdown at Gillette Stadium. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will make his NFL postseason debut after an MVP-caliber Year 2 with New England.
Mike Vrabel led the Patriots back into the playoffs in his first season as head coach. The former Pats linebacker turned the franchise around after back-to-back 4-13 campaigns under Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo, respectively.
As for the Chargers, they enter Sunday night’s matchup still searching for their first playoff win with Justin Herbert at QB. The Oregon product is 0-2 in his postseason career.
Kickoff for Sunday Night Football is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC. Follow our live blog below for score updates, highlights, news, and analysis throughout Patriots-Chargers: