Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Patriots Edge Chargers 16-3 in Wild Card Win
The New England Patriots won their first playoff game since 2019 by beating the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3.
The game was very low-scoring, with most of the points coming from field goals.
The Patriots' defense was really strong, stopping the Chargers from scoring many points.
In the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Drake Maye threw a touchdown pass to Hunter Henry, which was the only touchdown of the game.
Maye said he wasn't perfect, but his teammates helped him out.
The Patriots will play another game at home next week.
The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the AFC Wild Card playoff game.
The game was low-scoring, with the Patriots' defense dominating and limiting the Chargers to 207 total yards.
Drake Maye threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Maye finished with 268 passing yards, 66 rushing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The Patriots' defense sacked Justin Herbert six times and forced a turnover on downs and a fumble recovery.
- Who
- New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- What
- AFC Wild Card playoff game
- When
- January 2024
- Where
- Gillette Stadium
- Why
- Postseason NFL playoff game
- Teams
- New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- Final Score
- 16-3
- Location
- Gillette Stadium
- Key Player
- Drake Maye
- Defensive Stats
- 6 sacks, 1 turnover on downs, 1 fumble recovery
- Offensive Stats
- Drake Maye: 17/29, 268 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 66 rushing yards
- Game Duration
- January 2024
- Significant Play
- 28-yard TD pass to Hunter Henry