NFL Playoff Preview: Chargers vs Patriots

 

For the first time since a guy named Tom Brady was the quarterback of the team, the New England Patriots are ready to host a home playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

After taking home their first division title since 2019, the Patriots enter the AFC Playoffs as the no. 2 seed hosting the no. 7 seeded Chargers. New England's jump from a 4-13 record in 2024 to a 14-3 finish in 2025 has been absolutely remarkable to witness. 

The coach and quarterback duo of Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel has been eerily similar to the hall of fame duo of Brady and Belichick that Patriots fans had been so accustomed to witnessing every Sunday. In year one, Vrabel has made unheard of strides to this New England football team. 

In only his second professional year and first complete season as a starter, Drake Maye has poised himself as one of the top options in the MVP race. Maye finished with a league high QBR, just under 4,400 passing yards, and 35 total touchdowns. 

The offensive additions of Stefon Diggs and Treyveon Henderson have been monumental towards the Pats success in 2025. In their first years in Foxborough, both Diggs and Henderson lead the team in receiving and rushing yards respectively. 

Coming into this game, New England currently has the 4th best odds to take home the Lombardi Trophy and the 2nd-best in the AFC behind the no. 1 seed Denver Broncos. However, they will have a tough task in hosting the Los Angeles Chargers.

Los Angeles, headlined by their head coach Jim Harbaugh and outstanding quarterback Justin Herbert will face a tall task going into New England on Sunday. The Chargers ranked no. 5 in total defense throughout the NFL giving them a slight edge in that category over the Pats. 

LA's superb defense lead by Derwin James is going to have to make it tough on Drake Maye and co. in order to have a shot in this game. Justin Herbert is also playing a little banged up on his non-throwing hand. If this plays a big role on Sunday, it could be a long night and long plane ride back home for the Chargers. 

All three of the AFC first round matchups feature showdowns that did not occur in the regular season. As a fan, expect the unexpected because not only is it the playoffs, but the AFC is going to be a rollercoaster, so hang on.