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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.
AllSportsPeople 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. This section will be updated closer to kickoff.
MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFFS:
- SN's expert predictions for NFL playoffs, Super Bowl 60
- Full NFL playoff schedule
- Updated NFL playoff bracket
- Wild-card picks, predictions
- NFL playoff power rankings, 1-14
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
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Rams vs. Panthers | 4:30 p.m. | Fox |
| Packers vs. Bears | 8 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video |
Sunday, Jan. 11
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Bills vs. Jaguars | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 49ers vs. Eagles | 4:30 p.m. | Fox |
| Chargers vs. Patriots | 8:15 p.m. | NBC |
Monday, Jan. 12
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Texans vs. Steelers | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN/ABC |
Divisional round
Saturday, Jan. 17
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 4:30 p.m. | TBD |
| TBD | 8:15 p.m. | TBD |
Sunday, Jan. 18
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 3 p.m. | TBD |
| TBD | 6:30 p.m. | TBD |
Conference championships
Sunday, Jan. 25
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD (AFC) | 3 p.m. | CBS |
| TBD (NFC) | 6:30 p.m. | Fox |
Super Bowl 60
Sunday, Feb. 8
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 6:30 p.m. | NBC |