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The New England Patriots’ regular-season turnaround under Mike Vrabel is complete. Now, their real challenge begins with the 2026 NFL playoffs.

After a dominant 14-3 season behind their experienced first-year head coach, including an MVP-like campaign from second-year quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots will host a Wild Card game on Sunday night. Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers come to town — and in a seemingly wide-open AFC this season, it’s entirely possible the winner of the matchup could make a deep playoff run.

The Chargers, in Jim Harbaugh’s second season, finished the regular season 11-6 after a hot start, falling behind the Broncos in the AFC West. At their best, Los Angeles has taken down several top teams this season, including wins over Denver, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. To get Herbert his first playoff win, though, the Chargers will have to beat one of the league’s elite units.

Maye was simply outstanding in 2025, throwing for nearly 4,400 yards and 31 touchdowns with eight interceptions. With a strong defense, two multi-talented running backs, a leading veteran receiver and more, he’s cemented himself as a rising star. Just one year after enduring a miserable 4-13 season with New England, Maye has a shot to earn his first playoff victory on Sunday night.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from the AFC Wild Card matchup between the Patriots and Chargers. Follow along with the action below.

STREAM: Watch Patriots vs. Chargers live with Peacock

Patriots vs. Chargers score

NFL PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NFL scores | Full NFL schedule | Updated NFL bracket

Patriots vs. Chargers live updates, highlights from 2026 NFL wild-card playoff game

All times ET.

7:34 p.m. — Drake Maye is ready for his playoff debut.

Drake “Playoff Debut” Maye

LACvsNE – 8pm ET on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ZlAjPHXMPo

— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2026

6:50 p.m. — Drake “Drake Maye” Maye has become a sensation.

The @drakemayeloverr impact in Foxborough.

LACvsNE – 8pm ET on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/yPCMjD0XMw

— NFL (@NFL) January 11, 2026

6:49 p.m. — Here are the Patriots’ inactives tonight.

Patriots inactives for #LACvsNE. pic.twitter.com/KfTXRDjU0G

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 11, 2026

6:48 p.m. — Omarion Hampton is officially active for the Chargers after coming into tonight’s playoff game as questionable. 

our inactives for #LACvsNE

CB Isas Waxter
S Kendall Williamson
OLB Bud Dupree
OLB Kyle Kennard
OT Austin Deculus
WR Dalevon Campbell
TE Tyler Conklin

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 11, 2026

MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFFS:

Where to watch Patriots vs. Chargers

Patriots vs. Chargers start time

• Date: Sunday, January 11
• Start time: 8 p.m. ET

The Patriots and Chargers will kick off in their Wild Card Weekend matchup at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11.

The game will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. 

What channel is Patriots vs. Chargers on today?

• TV channel: NBC
• Live stream: Peacock

Sunday night’s wild-card meeting between New England and Los Angeles will air nationally on NBC. It will be the final wild card game of the day, following Bills–Jaguars at 1 p.m. ET and 49ers–Eagles at 4:30 p.m. ET

NBC’s usual “Sunday Night Football” booth of Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be calling the Patriots vs. Chargers matchup. 

Fans looking to stream the playoff game can turn to Peacock.

NFL playoff schedule 2026

Wild-card round

Saturday, Jan. 10

Sunday, Jan. 11

Monday, Jan. 12

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 17

Sunday, Jan. 18

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 25

Super Bowl 60

Sunday, Feb. 8