The New England Patriots won their first NFL playoff game since 2019 when they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Understandably, the result left Patriots fans feeling very excited about their team potentially going on a deep postseason run.

Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey regressed in his second NFL season, and he honestly reflected on it following the loss to the Patriots.

The Chargers' much-maligned offensive line held up decently well in the first half in protection for Justin Herbert. The offensive line could have been perfect, and it would not have mattered; receivers were not getting open, easy check-downs were not available. The run game was non-existent.

With wild-card weekend now complete, their position for the first round of the 2026 NFL draft is locked in. For the second consecutive year, the Chargers own the No. 22 overall pick after the Texans beat the Steelers.

After losing to the New England Patriots in Sunday night's AFC Wild Card game, the Los Angeles Chargers could be on the verge of losing a key member of their coaching staff.

Mack was 18th among players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps in pressure rate. He dislocated his elbow in Week 2 and came back even better just five weeks later. Oweh’s acquisition was a win-win trade that sent Alohi Gilman to the Ravens. From his first game with the Chargers through the end of the regular season, he was 17th in pressure rate.

Here are the best and worst defensive Pro Football Focus grades for the Patriots after their win over the Chargers.

Justin Herbert and his broken left hand have plenty of time to recover now. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback was left with few answers after falling to 0-3 in his playoff career.

The Los Angeles Chargers are urged to pursue a weapon that will bolster the offensive side of the ball next season.