
Patriots smother Chargers, advance to AFC divisional round
New England’s defense dominated and Drake Maye contributed both through the air and on the ground as the Patriots defeated the Chargers 16-3 in the wild-card round at Gillette. Maye threw for 268 yards, rushed for 66, and a fourth‑quarter TD to Hunter Henry sealed the win; Borregales added three field goals. Los Angeles was held to 207 yards and sacked six times. The Patriots advance to host the winner of Pittsburgh vs. Houston in the divisional round, while the Chargers’ season ends with another wild-card exit.












