A battle of AFC powerhouses close out a Sunday wild-card round tripleheader, when the Los Angeles Chargers face off against the New England Patriots in Foxborough.
Drake Maye and the Patriots have taken care of business in 2025: While they had one of the NFL's easiest schedules, they navigated it with ease, resulting in a 14-3 record and an AFC East championship, their first since 2019.
Maye will be standing across the field from a quarterback whom he drew comparisons with when he was draft-eligible. Justin Herbert and the Chargers waded choppy waters this season, thanks in part to a number of key injuries, especially those among the offensive line.
Without starting tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, Herbert has been under duress, being sacked a career-high 54 times for 301 yards this season.
Will the Patriots find ways to knock Herbert down? Or will the Chargers head east and end New England's dream of a season? USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Sunday night matchup below. All times are Eastern.
