After a horrible season last year, the Patriots have made it into the playoffs, ending a three-year playoff drought. Now, will they move ahead by beating the Chargers? Here is what you need to know ahead of the Chargers vs. Patriots matchup.

When they last met

The last time these two teams faced each other, the Patriots were thrashed brutally. Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and helped the Chargers clinch a playoff berth with the win (40-7). On the flip side, Drake Maye completed only 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards with a fumble and 4 sacks.

The Patriots managed just 181 total yards compared to 428 for the Chargers.

However, the playoff history between these teams is different. The last Chargers vs Patriots game in the NFL Playoffs was on January 13, 2019, in the AFC Divisional Round, which New England won in a 41-28 scoreline.

What did the HCs say?

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has stressed that the team is going to do what it has done so far in the season.

“Double down on what we’ve been doing all year. Don’t get out of what you’ve been doing. We see what works. We know what works. We put on tape what works. We have to stick to it.”

On the other hand, the Chargers' head coach, Jim Harbaugh, has talked about how his own players have played in the Chargers’ success.

“When I talk about player-led, that’s their intangibles,” said Harbaugh. “That’s led by the elite, best players that work the hardest. That’s the way it is on our team, that care the most, and then that becomes infectious throughout the entire… Contagious would be a better word. Yeah, contagious or infectious throughout the entire team.”

Injury report

Los Angeles Chargers

Questionable:

• Austin Deculus (Oblique)
• Bud Dupree (Hamstring)
• Tucker Fisk (Ankle)
• Omarion Hampton (Ankle)
• Elijah Molden (Hamstring)
• Del'Shawn Phillips (Hamstring)

Out:

• KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Hamstring)
• Kendall Williamson (Ankle)

New England Patriots

Questionable:

• Alex Austin (Wrist)

• Kayshon Boutte (Hamstring)

• Harold Landry (Knee)

• Thayer Munford Jr. (Knee)

Out:

• Khyiris Tonga (Foot)

Prediction for Chargers vs Patriots: -3.5

The Patriots have made a comeback this season with a PPG of 28.8 points per game this season. The Chargers are behind with 21.6 points per game this season.

Considering Drake Maye is in the form of his life (4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 17 games), defending the Patriots' attack through the air will be a focus for the Chargers. They've only let 31 completions, making this an even matchup.

On the flip side, Herbert will be under a lot of pressure. The Chargers have conceded a league high 60 sacks this season. This pressure will likely be the deciding factor, giving the Patriots the edge.

Kickoff:

Date: Sunday, Jan. 11 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)

Broadcasting Details for Chargers vs Patriots

Network:

• NBC- National broadcast across the United States, also streaming on Peacock and Universo.

Commentators:

• Play‑by‑Play: Mike Tirico

• Color Analyst: Cris Collinsworth

• Sideline Reporter: Melissa Stark

Local Affiliates:

• Boston/New England Market: NBC 10 Boston (WBTS‑CD) – 8:00 PM ET kickoff.

• Los Angeles Market: KNBC (NBC 4) – 5:00 PM PT kickoff

Who are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar