The Patriots have a stingy defense that replicates Vrabel's persona, while the offense has made strides with Maye despite a lack of star weapons (beyond 32-year-old Stefon Diggs). Regardless of how their season ends, the Patriots found their guy. They'll hope it's sustainable if they build on this properly.

The Patriots and Chargers play on Sunday in the wild-card playoff round of the 2025 NFL postseason. It's expected that linebacker Robert Spillane and offensive lineman Jared Wilson will start for the Patriots. Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is questionable to play with an ankle injury.

Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams came through with a huge sack in the fourth quarter against the Chargers.

Highlights from the Wild Card Weekend matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots during the 2025 NFL season.

New England advances to the divisional round, where it will face the winner of Monday's game between the Texans and the Steelers.

Drake Maye leads the Patriots against Justin Herbert and the Chargers at Gillette Stadium, with kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

SportsLine's model reveals its New England vs. Los Angeles picks for the NFL playoff edition of 'Sunday Night Football'

The New England Patriots face off with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night in the AFC Wild Card. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if the Patriots are in trouble, and they ask how much pressure is on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to win a Super Bowl this season.