(Photo: Peacock)
AFC Wild Card
(7) Los Angeles Chargers at (2) New England Patriots
Chargers (11-6):
I can admit I was all over the place with them at times during the regular season, and I say that because of how fast they got out of the gate. I still remember their first game of the year, when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil on September 5th. That was actually the best I have ever seen Justin Herbert look on an NFL football field, and I remember saying on the radio that if he plays like that consistently, this would be a very tough team to beat. Then came some struggles, and the injury bug certainly didn’t help their cause. They lost Omarion Hampton for eight games, and standout offensive tackle Joe Alt was lost for the season with an ankle injury. On top of that, they’ve been without Rashawn Slater, who was injured before the season even started. When you look at the five guys up front, the Chargers have truly been dealt a tough hand. Just imagine if they had both Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater together — this would be a much more consistent unit in the trenches. This is the second year of the Jim Harbaugh tenure, and the Chargers are back playing January football. If you know Harbaugh’s philosophy, it’s simple: run the ball, control the line of scrimmage on both sides, and let the defense handle the rest — which is the perfect segue to talk about that side of the ball. This defense has been phenomenal all season, especially against the pass, as they rank fourth in the league in limiting production through the air. Their EDGE rushers have also been consistently strong throughout the year. Tonight, the Chargers head east for some primetime playoff football.
Patriots (14-3):
I’m genuinely happy for this organization and to see them relevant once again — it’s good for the league. After the glory days of winning the AFC East, locking up top seeds, and being penciled in as Super Bowl or AFC Championship contenders, there were some down years. But get the right guy to lead your locker room, and everything can change. Their first win of 2025 was hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach, and the writing was on the wall that he would eventually land this job. I loved everything they did in the offseason, and it’s clear why they’re now the No. 2 seed in the AFC and division champions for the first time since 2019. I had the chance to see this team up close at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets, and it was also my first time seeing Drake Maye in person. For such a young quarterback, he is incredibly poised. He’s a wizard in the pocket — extending plays, avoiding pressure, and either escaping or throwing the ball away rather than taking unnecessary sacks. Most importantly, he takes what the defense gives him and doesn’t force throws, which is rare for a young quarterback. TreVeyon Henderson has also been remarkable for this team. What Jahmyr Gibbs is to the Detroit Lions is what Henderson has become to the Patriots. Quite frankly, they are a much better football team when he gets going. I’d run through a wall for Mike Vrabel. He’s the true definition of a players’ coach, and what I admire most is how hands-on he is. Tonight, the Patriots close out Day 2 of Super Wild Card Weekend.
Chargers X-Factor: Ladd McConkey
I’ve enjoyed watching the chemistry Justin Herbert has built with Quentin Johnston, and Johnston finally has a coach who knows how to use him properly. But Ladd McConkey has become Herbert’s go-to guy and his safety valve. Ladd thrives out of the slot and on option routes — exactly where the Patriots’ secondary can be attacked. He has elite route-running ability and creates separation, especially on third down. If the Patriots bring pressure, his ability to get open quickly becomes even more valuable. If Ladd can work the slot, move the chains, and convert key downs, it forces the Patriots’ defense to adjust how they defend Justin Herbert.
Patriots X-Factor: Harold Landry
Football is a game of systems, and Harold Landry knows Mike Vrabel’s system as well as anyone after playing for him in Tennessee. Tonight, Harold is the guy I’m watching on this New England defense. He plays with speed, power, and the ability to bend the corner when rushing the passer. When Justin Herbert — or any quarterback — has all day to throw, they’re elite. Harold doesn’t just apply pressure; he finishes the job and gets home. If he can win early, the Chargers will be forced to slide protection his way or use max protection.
Final Thoughts:
These two teams have plenty of playoff history. I remember their meeting in the 2006–07 divisional round, when the Chargers were the top seed, went 14–2, and LaDainian Tomlinson won MVP — only for the Patriots to eliminate them. A year later, they met again in the AFC Championship Game, with Philip Rivers playing on a torn ACL against an undefeated New England team. Then again in 2019, the Patriots sent the Chargers home in the divisional round. New England has largely had the Chargers’ number in the postseason. This will also be the Patriots’ first home playoff game since January 2020. The most important matchup tonight might not even be on the field: Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter vs. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Who can execute their game plan more consistently? For the Chargers, it starts with protecting Herbert. If they do, the offense will move the ball fluidly. If not, it will be a grind. Winning third down is crucial, and L.A. must start fast against a Patriots team that can build momentum quickly. For New England, the goal is to set the tone early with the run game, win third down on both sides of the ball, get the Chargers’ offense off the field, and limit explosive plays defensively. I expect Gillette Stadium to be alive and rocking tonight.
