The energy around Foxborough right now is just... different. If you walked into a coffee shop in Massachusetts this morning, you didn't hear people complaining about rebuilding or "better luck next year." No. People are actually talking about the Super Bowl again.
Honestly, it’s been a minute since we felt this way.
So, if you're wondering who won in the patriots game today, the answer is actually a bit more nuanced than just a final score. Technically, there wasn't a game played today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. However, the New England Patriots are coming off a massive, season-defining 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round this past Sunday.
That win didn't just move them forward; it basically signaled to the rest of the NFL that the Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye era isn't just a "nice story"—it’s a problem for everyone else.
The Defense Is Basically a Brick Wall
The Chargers came into Foxborough with Justin Herbert and a Jim Harbaugh-led squad that looked dangerous on paper. It didn't matter. The Patriots' defense didn't just win the game; they practically dismantled the Chargers' offensive identity.
Six sacks. That's the number that stands out.
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Milton Williams has turned into a legitimate nightmare for opposing coordinators. He racked up two sacks against L.A., continuing a terrifying trend that started back when he was with Philly. He’s now eyeing a record held by LaMarr Woodley for consecutive postseason games with multiple sacks. When the "big dogs" come out in January, as Vrabel likes to say, Williams is usually leading the pack.
The Chargers managed three points. Three. In a modern NFL where teams trade 30-point games like they’re Pokémon cards, holding a playoff opponent to a single field goal is almost unheard of. It tied a franchise playoff record for the lowest score allowed.
Drake Maye’s Playoff Debut: Gritty, Not Perfect
Let’s talk about Drake Maye. If you only looked at the box score—17 for 29, 268 yards, and one touchdown—you might think it was a standard "game manager" performance. It wasn't.
Maye was running for his life at times. He led the team in rushing with 66 yards. Think about that. In his first-ever playoff start, the kid wasn't just throwing; he was the engine of the entire ground game.
He did turn the ball over twice. A fumble and an interception could have flipped the script if the defense wasn't playing like they were possessed. But Maye has this weird, calm demeanor. After the turnovers, he didn't shrink. He came back in the second half and went 11-for-14. He’s got that "it" factor where the stage doesn't seem too big for him.
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The dagger was the 28-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter. It was a "pro" throw—placed exactly where only the tight end could get it. That's when we all knew it was over.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
A lot of national media heads are calling this a "fluke" 14-3 season. They say the AFC East was weak or the schedule was soft.
They're wrong.
Basically, the Patriots have built a roster that is designed for January weather in New England. They don't need to score 40 points to beat you. They just need to make you miserable for three hours. The Chargers looked cold, they looked frustrated, and they looked like they wanted to be anywhere else but Gillette Stadium.
Robert Kraft was seen after the game telling reporters the atmosphere reminded him of the "old days." You know the ones. The dynasty days. It’s a bold comparison, but when you’re heading into the Divisional Round as a No. 2 seed, you’ve earned the right to be a little nostalgic.
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The Injury Situation (The Wednesday Reality)
Since today is Wednesday, the focus has shifted from the win to the "MASH unit" that is the practice report. If you’re looking for why there’s some anxiety in New England today, look no further than the injury list:
- Christian Gonzalez is in concussion protocol. That’s huge.
- Hunter Henry and Anfernee Jennings are dealing with knee issues and were limited today.
- Will Campbell, the rookie tackle, is taking heat for some pressures he allowed, but he basically told the media he doesn't "give a shit" about the critics.
What’s Next: The Houston Texans
So, who won in the patriots game today? The fans did, because we get at least one more week of this.
The Patriots are hosting the Houston Texans this coming Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 PM EST. This isn't going to be a cakewalk. The Texans have the #1 ranked total defense in the league. They’re coming off a win against Pittsburgh and they play a brand of "blood and violence" football that Mike Vrabel actually respects.
If the Patriots win this one, they tie the San Francisco 49ers for the most postseason wins in NFL history (39). That’s a massive milestone that nobody thought was possible two years ago.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Friday Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Christian Gonzalez. If he can't go, the Patriots' secondary loses its best weapon against a Houston team that loves to take deep shots.
- Watch the Trenches: The Texans' pass rush is elite. Will Campbell and the O-line have to be significantly better than they were against the Chargers to give Maye a chance.
- Secure Tickets Early: If you're planning on heading to Foxborough, secondary market prices are already spiking past $330 for nosebleeds.
The "who won" question might be settled for now, but the real test starts this weekend. New England is back in the conversation, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like they actually belong there.