Completed — The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16–3 on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in an AFC Wild Card playoff game played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, concluding the matchup and advancing the Patriots to the next round of the NFL postseason.

The game began in the evening with both teams struggling to convert early scoring opportunities. The Chargers threatened inside the Patriots’ red zone in the first half but were held off by New England’s defense, forcing a turnover on downs and limiting Los Angeles to just a 21-yard field goal in the second quarter to tie the score at 3–3 at halftime.

In the third quarter, New England reclaimed the lead with a 35-yard field goal to make it 6–3. The decisive scoring play came in the fourth quarter when Patriots quarterback Drake Maye connected with tight end Hunter Henry on a 28-yard touchdown pass, giving New England a 13-point advantage that stood as the final margin.

Throughout the game, the Patriots’ defense consistently disrupted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles offense, holding them scoreless in terms of touchdowns. The Chargers’ lone points beyond their field goal attempt were prevented by multiple stops inside the red zone by New England, including key fourth-down defensive stands.

Notable individual plays included a toe-tap catch by Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams on a critical fourth-down conversion that helped sustain a New England drive, as well as strong contributions from New England’s special teams and defensive units.

With the win, the Patriots advance to the AFC Divisional Round of the 2025–26 NFL playoffs, where they will host the winner of the upcoming Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans matchup. The Chargers, eliminated by Sunday’s loss, conclude their 2025 season.

Sources
2025–26 NFL playoffs
Kyle Williams’ toe-tap catch vs. Chargers