The New England Patriots just handled business at Gillette Stadium, and honestly, it wasn't even as close as the final box score suggested. If you’re looking for what is the score of the patriots football game, New England beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the AFC Wild Card round on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
It was a cold, gritty defensive masterclass that felt like a throwback to the early 2000s.
Basically, Mike Vrabel’s defense turned the lights out on Justin Herbert. They didn't allow a single touchdown. Not one. It was the kind of performance that makes you realize why this team finished the regular season at 14-3 and snatched the AFC East crown away from Buffalo.
Breaking Down the 16-3 Win Over the Chargers
For those who missed the live broadcast, the game was defined by two things: Drake Maye’s composure and a defense that refused to bend.
Maye wasn't flashy, but he was efficient. He finished the night with a crucial 28-yard rainbow pass to Hunter Henry late in the fourth quarter that basically salted the game away. Henry has been on a tear lately, scoring three times in his last four games, and his 64 yards on Sunday were the backbone of a somewhat quiet offensive night.
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The scoreboard tells a story of "just enough" offense:
- First Quarter: Defensive stalemate. 0-0.
- Second Quarter: Patriots lead 6-0 (Two field goals).
- Third Quarter: Chargers get a field goal. 6-3.
- Fourth Quarter: Maye to Henry touchdown and another FG. Final: 16-3.
It’s the first time the Patriots have won a playoff game in seven years. Think about that for a second. The drought is finally over, and the "post-Brady" cloud is officially lifting from Foxborough.
The Current State of the 2026 Playoffs
Now that the Wild Card is in the rearview mirror, the question of what is the score of the patriots football game shifts toward the future. The schedule is set, and the stakes are climbing.
New England is staying home. Since they are the higher seed, they’ll host the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round. That game is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. You can catch that one on ESPN/ABC if you aren't lucky enough to have tickets to Gillette.
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The Texans are coming in hot with a nine-game winning streak. It’s going to be a massive test for Vrabel’s squad. While the Patriots have a better overall record (14-3 vs 12-5), Houston’s momentum is legitimate.
Injury Concerns and Roster Moves
Mid-week practice reports are starting to trickle out, and there's some stuff to keep an eye on. Stefon Diggs has been the emotional leader of this locker room—his pregame speech before the Chargers game is already being cited by players as the "fuel" they needed. But on the physical side:
- Hunter Henry (TE): Limited in Wednesday's practice with a knee issue. He's the safety net for Maye, so his status is huge.
- Morgan Moses (OT): Missed practice Wednesday with a knee injury. He played every snap against the Chargers, so this might just be veteran rest, but it's worth watching.
- Christian Gonzalez (CB): He’s in concussion protocol. Losing your top corner against a Houston team that loves to air it out would be a nightmare.
- Alex Austin (CB): Good news here—he was a full participant Wednesday. He's been on IR since November, so getting him back now is perfect timing.
Why This 14-3 Season Is Different
A lot of people looked at the Patriots' regular-season schedule and scoffed. It was technically one of the easiest schedules in the league with a strength of schedule (SOS) of .391. Critics said they only played three games against teams that actually finished with winning records.
But look at the results. They dominated the teams they were supposed to beat. They swept the Jets (3-14) and handled the Dolphins (7-10) with ease. A 14-3 record in the NFL is hard to do regardless of who is on the other side of the ball. They scored 28.8 points per game while giving up only 18.8. That’s a +10 point differential per game, which is elite by any metric.
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Honestly, the defense is the real star. Led by defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, they’ve become a unit that thrives on turnovers and red-zone stops. Against the Chargers, they forced Herbert into uncomfortable throws all night long.
Looking Ahead to the Texans Matchup
The upcoming game against Houston is the "show me" game. If the Patriots win, they likely head toward an AFC Championship showdown against either the Denver Broncos or the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Houston brings a different challenge than the Chargers did. They are more aggressive and have a quarterback who isn't afraid to take deep shots. New England will need to find more than 16 points if they want to move on. Drake Maye has shown he can handle the pressure, but the run game needs to step up to keep the Texans' pass rush honest.
If you’re tracking the what is the score of the patriots football game saga, the next few days are all about the injury report. If Henry and Moses are healthy, the Patriots should be favored at home. If the offensive line is shuffled, things could get shaky.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Weather: Sunday in Foxborough is looking chilly. If you’re going to the game, dress for "Patriot Weather"—layers are your friend.
- Watch the Thursday/Friday Practice Reports: Specifically look for Hunter Henry and Morgan Moses. If they don't return to "Full Participant" by Friday, expect a heavy dose of the run game on Sunday.
- Set Your DVR: Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 PM EST.
- Follow the Secondary: Watch for news on Christian Gonzalez's concussion protocol. If he’s out, the Patriots might have to lean on Alex Austin earlier than they wanted.
The Patriots are back in the hunt. It took a few years of rebuilding and a coaching change, but the energy at Gillette is finally back to where it used to be.