Football in January just feels different. The air is thinner, the hits sound louder, and the stakes are basically "win or go home." If you’re looking for what teams are playing on sunday night football tonight, we’ve got a massive AFC Wild Card showdown on the docket. Tonight, January 11, 2026, the New England Patriots are hosting the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium.
It’s a classic matchup of a young gun versus a gritty defense. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
Honestly, it’s a weird time for the Patriots. For years, we were used to seeing Tom Brady in these spots. Now? It’s the Drake Maye era. He’s leading a New England squad that went 14-3 this season, grabbing the No. 2 seed. On the other side, Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers playing like a bunch of "warriors"—his favorite word—despite being the No. 7 seed.
The Matchup: Why New England vs. LA Matters
When you ask what teams are playing on sunday night football tonight, you aren't just looking for names. You’re looking for the vibe. This isn't your standard regular-season game where a loss can be brushed off. This is the final game of a triple-header Sunday.
The Patriots enter as the favorites, mostly because of that defense. Mike Vrabel has this unit playing lights-out. They only allowed 18.8 points per game during the regular season. That’s top-tier. But Justin Herbert is the ultimate equalizer. Even with a Chargers offense that struggled to find its rhythm late in the year, Herbert can make throws that 95% of the league can’t even imagine.
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Game Details and How to Watch
- Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at New England Patriots (14-3)
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, Universo
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
If you're stuck in the car, you can catch the national broadcast on SiriusXM Channel 88. Local fans can find the Chargers call on 226 and the Patriots on 229.
What Happened Earlier Today?
Before we get to the nightcap, the rest of the Wild Card slate has been absolute chaos. The 1:00 p.m. game saw the Buffalo Bills squeeze past the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24. Then, in the late afternoon window, the San Francisco 49ers went into Philly and upset the Eagles 23-19.
It’s been a road-heavy day so far, which makes you wonder if the Chargers can keep that momentum going.
Keys to the Game: Beyond the Box Score
The Chargers aren't just any 7-seed. They finished the year with a top-10 scoring defense. Jim Harbaugh has fundamentally changed the culture in LA. They aren't "Chargering" games away as much as they used to. They play a physical, almost annoying style of football that keeps games close.
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But New England is a different beast at home. Drake Maye has shown a ton of poise for a second-year player. He isn't just a pocket passer; he’s used his legs to bail the Patriots out of some ugly 3rd-and-longs. The connection between Maye and veteran tight end Hunter Henry has become the backbone of this offense. If the Chargers can’t take Henry away, it’s going to be a long night for the Bolts.
New England's offensive line is the big question mark. They've been "sorta" shaky against high-end pass rushers. If the Chargers' front four can get home without blitzing, Maye might start seeing ghosts.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
People look at the seeds—2 vs 7—and assume a blowout. That’s a mistake.
The Chargers actually have more veteran experience in key positions than the Patriots do. Justin Herbert has seen more disguised coverages than Maye has. Plus, Harbaugh has coached in a Super Bowl. He knows how to prep a team for the "big dogs come out in January" atmosphere.
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The spread is sitting around Patriots -3.5. That’s basically Vegas saying, "We think these teams are equal, but New England gets the home-field advantage." It's going to be tight. It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be exactly what Sunday Night Football is supposed to be.
Final Actionable Insights for Fans
If you are planning to watch what teams are playing on sunday night football tonight, make sure you’ve got your streaming sorted early. Peacock has been known to have a few hiccups during high-traffic playoff games.
- For the Bettors: Keep an eye on the Under (45.5). Both these defenses are top-10 units, and playoff nerves often lead to slow starts.
- For the Casuals: Watch the New England pass rush. If they get to Herbert early, the Chargers' game plan might crumble.
- The Reward: The winner of this game moves on to the Divisional Round. If the Patriots win, they’ll host the Houston Texans next week. If the Chargers pull the upset, the bracket gets shifted around significantly.
Get your snacks ready. This is the last bit of Sunday Night Football we get until the Divisional round, so savor it.