If you're frantically Googling what's the score for New England Patriots because you missed the game, here is the short answer: The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the AFC Wild Card round this past Sunday, January 11, 2026.
It wasn't a pretty game. Not even close. If you like offensive shootouts and high-flying circus catches, this wasn't the one for you. But for a New England fan who has been waiting since 2018 for a "real" playoff win? It was beautiful. Honestly, it felt like a throwback to the early 2000s when the defense just squeezed the life out of opponents until they finally tapped out.
The Game That Broke the Post-Brady Curse
This 16-3 victory at Gillette Stadium wasn't just another notch in the win column. It was Mike Vrabel’s first playoff win as the head man in Foxborough. It was also Drake Maye’s playoff debut. The kid lived up to the hype, even if the stat sheet looks a little lean.
Basically, the game was a total slugfest for three quarters. The score was stuck at a nauseating 6-3 for what felt like an eternity. New England’s defense, led by a relentless pass rush that sacked Justin Herbert five times, basically lived in the Chargers' backfield. Herbert looked miserable. You could see the frustration on his face every time he got up off the turf.
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Why the 16-3 Score is Misleading
You might look at that 16-3 score and think nothing happened. Wrong. The game turned on a massive fourth-quarter drive.
Drake Maye finally found his rhythm when it mattered most. He connected with tight end Hunter Henry on a 28-yard strike for the game’s only touchdown. That play finally broke the Chargers' spirit. Before that, it was just Andy Borregales kicking field goals (he had three on the night) and the defense holding on for dear life.
- Total Yards: New England outgained LA, but it was a battle of inches.
- Rhamondre Stevenson: He was the engine, grinding out 53 rushing yards and leading the team with 75 receiving yards.
- The Turning Point: A 48-yard catch-and-run by Stevenson early in the game that set the tone, even if it only led to a field goal at the time.
What Really Happened with the Defense?
People keep asking about the score, but the real story is the "prevent" defense that actually worked. Usually, "prevent" just prevents you from winning. Not this time. The Patriots' secondary was missing Christian Gonzalez for a chunk of the second half due to a head injury, yet they didn't break.
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Justin Herbert was held to just 159 yards passing. In 2026, that’s almost impossible. Robert Spillane, coming back from a long injury layoff, looked like he hadn't missed a day. He was unblocked on a crucial fourth-down pressure early in the game that kept the Chargers out of the end zone. If LA scores there, the whole vibe of the game changes.
Looking Ahead: The Divisional Round
Now that you know what's the score for New England Patriots from the Wild Card, you need to mark your calendar for what's next.
The Patriots are the No. 2 seed. Because the Houston Texans absolutely demolished the Steelers (30-6) on Monday night, they are headed to Foxborough next.
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The Matchup: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium
- TV: ESPN/ABC
This is going to be a nightmare for the offensive line. Houston has the No. 1 ranked defense in EPA per drop-back. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are basically a two-man wrecking crew. If Drake Maye thought the Chargers were tough, he’s in for a rude awakening this Sunday.
Actionable Insights for the Divisional Round
If you’re planning on watching or betting on the next game, keep these three things in mind:
- Watch the Injury Report: Christian Gonzalez’s status is everything. If he can't go, the Patriots' secondary might struggle against the Texans' speed.
- The Home Field Advantage: New England is 24-5 all-time in home playoff games. That .827 winning percentage is the best in the league for teams with at least 15 home starts.
- The "Maye" Factor: Maye ran for 66 yards against the Chargers. Expect Vrabel to use his legs even more to neutralize the Texans' pass rush.
The "New Era" in New England isn't just a marketing slogan anymore. It's 14-3 in the regular season and 1-0 in the playoffs. Whether you're a die-hard or just checking in, this team is officially dangerous again.
Next Step: Check the official injury report on Friday afternoon to see if Christian Gonzalez clears concussion protocol before the Texans game.