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.
What time is the Patriots vs Chargers game?
Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
The Patriots-Chargers matchup is set to air at 8:15 p.m. ET on Sunday night. The Chargers travel east to Foxborough, Massachusetts for the matchup.
What channel is the Patriots vs Chargers game on?
TV channel: NBC
The Patriots-Chargers wild-card matchup will air on NBC on Sunday night. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, with
Patriots vs Chargers live stream
Stream: Peacock | NFL+
Peacock, NBC’s proprietary streaming service, will broadcast the Patriots-Chargers matchup. Cord-cutters can also turn to NFL+, the NFL’s streaming service, as an option.
Stream Patriots vs. Chargers on Peacock
Patriots vs Chargers predictions
Here’s how the NFL experts at USA TODAY Sports feel the Patriots vs. Chargers matchup will tilt:
Jarrett Bell: Patriots, 21-17
Nick Brinkerhoff: Chargers, 26-23
Chris Bumbaca: Patriots, 26-23
Nate Davis: Patriots, 24-23
Tyler Dragon: Chargers, 23-22
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Patriots, 26-17
Patriots vs Chargers odds, moneyline, O/U
National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Saturday at 9:35 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Spread favorite: Patriots (-3.5)
Moneyline: Patriots (-200), Chargers (+165)
Total: 45.5 points
Patriots inactives today vs. Chargers
QB Tommy DeVito (emergency 3rd)
NT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
WR Jeremiah Webb
OLB Bradyn Swinson
T Marcus Bryant
G Caedan Wallace
TE CJ Dippre
Chargers inactives today vs. Patriots
CB Isas Waxter
S Kendall Williamson
OLB Bud Dupree
OLB Kyle Kennard
OT Austin Deculus
WR Dalevon Campbell
TE Tyler Conklin
NFL games today: Sunday playoff game schedule
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) vs. 6. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) vs. 6. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
2. New England Patriots (14-3) vs. 7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
NFL playoffs schedule
Divisional round: Jan. 17-18
Conference championships: Jan. 25
Super Bowl 60: Feb. 8
Patriots schedule 2025
4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz
Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy receiving our NFL newsletter in your inbox.
