Overview
- Los Angeles exited in the wild-card round at Gillette Stadium, falling 16–3 to New England and ending an 11–6 season.
- Jim Harbaugh told players, “Those that stay will be champions,” called the defeat “another beginning,” and declined to commit to Greg Roman as play-caller.
- Harbaugh defended going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the first quarter after an interception set up short field position.
- The failed fourth down preceded a 48-yard Drake Maye completion to Rhamondre Stevenson that set up the Patriots’ opening field goal by Andy Borregales.
- Justin Herbert went 19-of-31 for 159 yards with six sacks and 57 rushing yards, his left-hand injury was acknowledged as an issue, and his postseason record fell to 0–3 as the franchise’s playoff win drought since 2018 continued.