One NFL writer thinks the New England Patriots are going to lose to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round of the 2026 NFL playoffs and most people around the league believe the Patriots will win.
However, NFL writer Moe Moton of Bleacher Report predicts that the Patriots will lose to the Chargers by a final score of 26-24.
"The New England Patriots are back in the playoff mix with a relatively young team on the offensive side of the ball," Moton wrote. "Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is an MVP candidate, and running back TreVeyon Henderson is one of the top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates. On Sunday, rookie left tackle Will Campbell returned to action from injured reserve. He's allowed five sacks while on the field for 452 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
"Though quarterback Justin Herbert hasn't played well in two playoff appearances, throwing for two touchdowns and four interceptions with a 52 percent completion rate, his experience could help him and the Chargers gain an edge in this matchup.
"Regarded as one of the league's best defensive coordinators, Chargers play-caller Jesse Minter should be able to slow down the Patriots' fifth-ranked scoring offense enough to keep this matchup close down the stretch. Herbert won't be under constant duress going against a defense that's 25th in pressure rate. He'll lead a game-winning drive for his first postseason victory and the upset."
The Patriots went 14-3 in the regular season, while the Chargers went 11-6. Maye is playing in his first playoff game, while Herbert is playing in his third. He's 0-2 thus far.
New England finished the regular season second in the NFL in points per game and fourth in points per game allowed under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, who could win the Coach of the Year Award.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles was 20th in points per game and ninth in points per game allowed under Jim Harbaugh.
This is going to be a fantastic game between the Patriots and Chargers. It will feature two elite quarterbacks and two strong defenses. Moton thinks Los Angeles will upset New England in Foxborough, which would be a hard pill for the Patriots to swallow.