The wait is finally over for New England. If you’ve been looking for the patriots game score today, you likely saw a result that feels like a massive weight has been lifted off the region. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the New England Patriots took down the Los Angeles Chargers with a decisive 16-3 victory in the AFC Wild Card round.
It wasn't a shootout. Honestly, it was a bit of a grind. But for a fan base that hasn't seen a postseason win since Super Bowl LIII back in 2019, it was basically perfect.
The Patriots Game Score and How They Got There
Mike Vrabel’s defense looked like a vintage unit. They absolutely harassed Justin Herbert all night, racking up six sacks and keeping the Chargers out of the end zone entirely. It’s kinda wild to think that in the modern NFL, you can hold a high-powered offense to just three points, but the Patriots did it by being relentless at the line of scrimmage.
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The scoring breakdown tells the story of a game won in the trenches:
- Second Quarter: Andres Borregales kicked a 23-yard field goal to start things off. The Chargers answered with a 21-yarder from Cameron Dicker, but Borregales added another 35-yarder just before the half.
- Third Quarter: A defensive stalemate for most of the frame, ended by a third Borregales field goal (39 yards).
- Fourth Quarter: The dagger. Drake Maye found Hunter Henry for a 28-yard touchdown pass with 9:45 left on the clock.
Drake Maye, making his playoff debut, finished with 268 passing yards and that crucial touchdown. He also led the team in rushing with 66 yards. He wasn't perfect—there were two turnovers—but he made the plays that mattered.
Why This Score Matters So Much
This 16-3 result isn't just another win. It marks the first time New England has moved on in the playoffs in the post-Brady era. It also evens Mike Vrabel’s postseason coaching record at 3-3.
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The defense was the real star. Keeping the Chargers to a measly three points ties a franchise record for the fewest points allowed in a playoff game. It was "ugly" football, according to some analysts, but at Gillette Stadium, it felt like a masterclass.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s a misconception that the Chargers just had an "off" night. That’s not really the case. Los Angeles came in with an 11-6 record and a lot of momentum. However, they went 0-for-3 on fourth-down attempts. When you look at the patriots game score, those failed conversions are the reason the gap wasn't closer.
New England’s secondary took a hit, though. Christian Gonzalez left the game with a head injury, and Carlton Davis dealt with a toe issue. If you're looking ahead to the next round, the health of the defensive backfield is the biggest question mark.
Looking Ahead to the Divisional Round
The Patriots (now 15-3) aren't done. By winning as the second seed, they’ve secured another home game. They will host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
The Texans are coming off their own momentum, and C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye is the kind of young-quarterback matchup the NFL loves to promote.
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Actionable Steps for Patriots Fans
If you're following the team's playoff run, here is what you need to do next:
- Check the Injury Report: Keep an eye on Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots' defense is much different without their lockdown corner, especially against a team like Houston.
- Secure Tickets Early: If you're planning on being in Foxborough this Sunday, tickets for the Divisional round are already moving on the secondary market. Expect prices to jump after the "post-win" hype.
- Review the Matchup: The Patriots beat Houston earlier in the season, but the playoffs are a different beast. Look at how the New England offensive line holds up against the Texans' pass rush, which will be the key to giving Maye time to throw.
The patriots game score was a statement. New England is officially back in the hunt, and the "dynasty" talk—while premature—is starting to whisper through the trees in Massachusetts again.