The Chargers enter Foxborough as underdogs, but the path to victory is clear. Protect the football, maintain defensive intensity, and let Justin Herbert rise to the moment. If those boxes are checked, an upset is within reach.
The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking to make amends for last season’s playoff disappointment when they take on the New England Patriots in Foxborough. Justin Herbert and the rest of the team will need to play close to perfect football in order to leave New England with a win. While they enter the matchup as underdogs, the Chargers have the tools necessary to pull off the upset if they focus on a few key areas.
So what exactly do the Chargers need to emphasize to advance to the next round of the playoffs?
Take care of the football. Justin Herbert learned firsthand last postseason just how quickly turnovers can end playoff hopes. After throwing only three interceptions during the regular season, Herbert surprisingly tossed four interceptions in the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Houston Texans. That kind of performance simply cannot happen again. The Patriots thrive on capitalizing on mistakes, especially at home, and giving them short fields or extra possessions would be a recipe for disaster. Herbert doesn’t need to be overly conservative, but smart decision-making and ball security must be a top priority for both the quarterback and the offense as a whole.
Continue the defensive tenacity. One of the biggest reasons the Chargers are even in this position is their defensive improvement down the stretch. The unit has been physical, disciplined and opportunistic, creating pressure and forcing timely stops. Against a Patriots offense that can be methodical and grind out long drives, the Chargers’ defense must stay aggressive while maintaining gap integrity. Winning on early downs and forcing third-and-long situations will be crucial. If the Chargers can limit explosive plays and make the Patriots earn every yard, they give themselves a real chance to control the tempo of the game.
Justin Herbert needs to be “that guy.” This is the moment Herbert has been preparing for. Fair or not, playoff success is often how elite quarterbacks are judged, and Herbert has a chance to change the narrative surrounding his postseason résumé. He doesn’t need to be perfect, but he does need to be confident, poised and willing to make big throws when the moment calls for it. Whether it’s converting a critical third down, extending a play with his legs or leading a late scoring drive, Herbert must show that he can elevate his team when the pressure is highest.
Win the situational battles. Playoff games are often decided in the margins. Red zone efficiency, third-down conversions and special teams play will all matter. The Chargers can’t afford stalled drives that result in field goals instead of touchdowns, nor can they give the Patriots extra chances with penalties or poor field position. Staying disciplined and executing in high-leverage situations will go a long way toward swinging the game in their favor.
If the Chargers protect the football, maintain their defensive intensity and get a strong performance from Justin Herbert, they have every opportunity to shock the Patriots on Sunday. It won’t be easy in Foxborough, but the path to victory is clear—and now it’s up to the Chargers to walk it.