The New England Patriots are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021. They’re squaring off against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round. This year, the Pats finished strong with a 14-3 record, earning the second seed in the AFC. The Chargers, holding an 11-6 record, trailed behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.
Last season, the Chargers cruised past New England with a dominating 40-7 victory. However, this is a different Patriots team, thanks to an impressive season from quarterback Drake Maye, who is making a strong case for MVP. That earlier defeat serves as a reminder of the firepower the Chargers can bring, especially with quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm.
This matchup marks the fourth playoff encounter between these two teams. The first took place in 1963, where the Chargers claimed a resounding 51-10 victory in the AFL Championship. A long wait ensued until 2006 when the Patriots upset the top-seeded Chargers in the Divisional Round. They met again in the AFC Championship in 2007, with the Pats securing another win. Most recently, in the 2018 AFC Wild Card, New England triumphed on their way to a sixth title.
Fans can expect another thrilling game as two of the NFL’s rising quarterbacks face off. Here are three critical factors that could determine the outcome:
First up is how well the Patriots can pressure Justin Herbert. Despite missing key tackles early in the season, Herbert faced the most pressure in the league, resulting in a staggering 54 sacks. This was the second-highest total in the NFL. His passer rating plummeted from 109.8 without pressure to just 67.1 when pressured. The Patriots must target their current tackles, Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins III, but the real question is their ability to exploit backups who have stepped up in recent weeks.
The Patriots have maintained a slightly above-average pressure rate this season. They recently welcomed back Milton Williams, which adds to their strength. However, can they consistently disrupt Herbert? If not, he could find ways to exploit the Patriots’ defense.
Secondly, New England must keep their run game effective. The health of running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson is vital. Stevenson finished the regular season with 603 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Henderson added an impressive 911 rushing yards. Their combination offers a balanced attack that could keep the Chargers’ strong defense off balance. The Chargers rank eighth in rushing yards allowed, making it crucial for New England to maintain a credible run option.
Finally, there’s the pressing need for Maye to shine under playoff pressure. Just three weeks ago, he led a come-from-behind win against Baltimore, showing he can handle high-stakes moments. The Chargers rely heavily on zone coverage, which could limit his opportunities. Still, Maye led the league in air yards per attempt and completion percentage this season, showcasing both his accuracy and boldness. He excels in zone coverage situations, meaning patience and precision will be key against the Chargers’ formidable defense.
As playoff games often hang on critical throws, Maye must capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Chargers. The stakes are high, and this matchup promises to be a memorable chapter in their competitive history.
For deeper insights on the matchup and team stats, check out the latest reports from ESPN and the NFL.
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10 to Watch,Analysis,hp-article,hp-featured,Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (2025-POST-1)
