So, you’re looking for the latest and probably wondering what's the score of New England Patriots game right now. If you're checking on Friday, January 16, 2026, here’s the deal: there isn't a game happening at this exact second. But the reason everyone is talking about them is because of what just went down a few days ago at Gillette Stadium.
The New England Patriots absolutely dismantled the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round on Sunday, January 11. The final score was 16-3.
It wasn't a high-flying shootout. It was a defensive masterclass that felt like a throwback to the early 2000s, even though it’s 2026 and Mike Vrabel is the one prowling the sidelines now. If you missed it, you missed Drake Maye’s first-ever playoff win, and honestly, the kid looked like he belonged.
What's the Score of New England Patriots Game: Breaking Down the 16-3 Victory
When people ask what's the score of New England Patriots game, they usually want more than just the numbers. They want to know if the team actually looked good.
New England’s defense was the real story. They sacked Justin Herbert six times. Six. Imagine trying to throw a football while Milton Williams is basically living in your back pocket. The Chargers didn't even sniff the end zone. All they managed was a lonely 21-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker in the second quarter.
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Here is how those 16 points actually happened:
- First Quarter: Total stalemate. 0-0. Both teams were just feeling each other out, lots of punting.
- Second Quarter: The Pats finally got on the board. Andres Borregales knocked through two field goals (23 and 35 yards). Chargers got their only three points. Pats led 6-3 at the half.
- Third Quarter: More defense. Borregales hit another one from 39 yards. Score: 9-3.
- Fourth Quarter: Drake Maye finally broke the game open. He found Hunter Henry for a 28-yard touchdown pass with under ten minutes left. That made it 16-3 and basically ended the Chargers' season.
Drake Maye finished the day with 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for 66 yards, which is kind of his secret weapon. It wasn't perfect, but in January, a win is a win.
Why the Divisional Round Against the Texans is Different
Now that you know what's the score of New England Patriots game from the Wild Card, your eyes should be on the next one. The Patriots are hosting the Houston Texans this Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
This is going to be a massive test. The Texans are 12-5 and just beat the brakes off the Steelers 30-6. C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye is the matchup every NFL fan has been waiting for. It’s two of the best young quarterbacks in the league going head-to-head in Foxborough.
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The Patriots actually beat the Texans twice in the playoffs back in the day—once in 2013 and again in 2017—but those were the Brady years. This is a new era. The Texans have the top-ranked defense in the league right now. If the Patriots want to keep their season alive, they can't just rely on field goals like they did against the Chargers.
Injuries and What to Watch For
If you're tracking the team to predict what's the score of New England Patriots game this weekend, you have to look at the injury report. It’s January, so everyone is banged up, but New England got some good news recently.
Reports from practice on Thursday suggest that some key defensive players who were limited against the Chargers are back to full participation. Rhamondre Stevenson also looked healthy in practice, which is huge because the Pats need that ground game to keep Stroud off the field.
The big question mark is the offensive line. Drake Maye was sacked five times by the Chargers. If they give up that many sacks against Houston, it’s going to be a long afternoon for the home crowd.
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Key Stats Heading Into Sunday:
- Patriots Record: 14-3 (Regular Season) + 1-0 (Postseason)
- Home Field: The Pats are 24-5 all-time at home in the playoffs. That's a .827 winning percentage.
- The Spread: Early lines have the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites, but that's been moving.
How to Follow the Next Game
If you want to know what's the score of New England Patriots game as it happens on Sunday, you’ve got options.
- TV: It’s on ESPN/ABC.
- Streaming: ESPN+ and NFL+ will have it.
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub is the go-to for the local call.
Honestly, this feels like the most excited the region has been about football in years. The "rebuild" under Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye has moved way faster than anyone expected.
Next Steps for Pats Fans:
- Set your DVR or clear your schedule for Sunday at 3:00 PM EST. This Divisional Round matchup is the biggest game at Gillette in at least half a decade.
- Watch the weather reports. It’s looking like it’ll be around 2°C in Foxborough. That’s classic Patriots playoff weather, which usually favors the home team.
- Keep an eye on the Friday injury report. If the Patriots' secondary is fully healthy, they have a real shot at neutralizing the Texans' deep threats.