Overview
- Kickoff is Sunday at 5:15 p.m. PST at Gillette Stadium, with coverage on NBC, Peacock and Universo.
- Justin Herbert and Drake Maye both seek their first NFL playoff win, with Herbert 0-2 in prior postseason starts.
- Herbert praised Maye as “an incredible quarterback,” after Maye delivered 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, a 72% completion rate and a 113.5 passer rating.
- The Chargers rested starters in Week 18 to prioritize health, and Herbert is reportedly healthier after playing since Week 13 with a broken hand.
- New England arrives with 14 wins and top-10 rankings on offense and defense, with both sides managing injuries including Patriots DT Khyiris Tonga and Chargers WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith ruled out.