FOXBORO, Mass. — The NFL's epic weekend of action came to a close on Sunday night as the Patriots took care of business over the Chargers, 16–3, to advance to the divisional round of the AFC playoffs.

Drake Maye threw a touchdown pass to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter, and New England’s defense roughed up Justin Herbert as the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in an AFC wild-card playoff game.

It wasn't always easy, but the Patriots are moving on to the AFC divisional round after beating the Los Angeles Chargers. Here's what happened:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- In a throwback to their first Super Bowl championship team in the 2001 season -- in which current head coach Mike Vrabel played an integral role as a linebacker -- the New England Patriots leaned on their defense to pos t a 16-3 win Sunday against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs.

The Los Angeles Chargers managed to make the playoffs for the second straight year under head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, things didn't exactly go as planned in 2025.

The New England Patriots are moving on in the NFL playoffs as their defense was dominant in a 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round at Gillette Stadium.

Highlights from the Wild Card Weekend matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots during the 2025 NFL season.

Los Angeles Chargers' QB Justin Herbert was clearly hit in the helmet but referees inexplicably missed the call leading to a Patriots' halftime lead.