Overview
- The No. 2 Patriots host the No. 7 Chargers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock).
- Mike Vrabel said multiple players were sick after Wednesday’s practice, with RT Morgan Moses, C Garrett Bradbury, T Vederian Lowe and LB Anfernee Jennings not participating, while DT Khyiris Tonga was out with a foot injury.
- With starters sidelined, Thayer Munford and Marcus Bryant took reps at right tackle and Ben Brown worked at center as New England monitors availability heading into the weekend.
- The matchup features MVP-candidate Drake Maye and Justin Herbert, who are both seeking their first playoff win after New England’s 14-3 turnaround season under Vrabel.
- Analysts highlight key battles such as the Patriots’ top-six rushing attack versus a top-10 Chargers run defense and L.A.’s pass rush against a New England line that has allowed 48 sacks, while betting lines generally favor the Patriots (~-3.5).