Chargers-Patriots wild-card preview: Drake Maye faces Jim Harbaugh's Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers host the New England Patriots in an NFL wild-card game that spotlights rookie quarterback Drake Maye as an MVP candidate and notes practice absences for players on both teams; cold temperatures are expected for the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Chargers and New England Patriots meet in an NFL wild-card playoff game Sunday night in Foxborough. New England returns to the postseason under head coach Mike Vrabel after a strong regular season. Drake Maye is a central storyline as an MVP candidate while the Chargers are noted for a high-performing pass defense. Weather and recent practice absences are part of the pregame context. Key details: - Game is a wild-card playoff meeting in Foxborough with kickoff scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. - The teams did not play each other this regular season; a late-2024 meeting saw Los Angeles win 40-7 and Maye pass for 117 yards in that game. - The Patriots reported no major injuries but had five players miss practice due to illness this week; the Chargers listed running back Omarion Hampton and edge rusher Bud Dupree as having missed practice. - Patriots coach Mike Vrabel led a turnaround to a 13-4 season, and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh brings extensive playoff experience. - New England allowed 4,459 passing yards and 8.9 yards per attempt this season, the most in the AFC; Los Angeles allowed 3,314 passing yards and recorded 19 interceptions this season. - The Patriots compiled the third-most rushing yards in the AFC, with TreVeyon Henderson leading the team with 911 yards and nine touchdowns. Summary: The matchup will test Drake Maye against a Chargers pass defense while placing emphasis on each team's rushing attack given the expected cold conditions. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.