Since Robert Kraft decided to move on from Bill Belichick at the end of the 2023 season, the now UNC head coach hasn't had a lot of nice things to say about the Patriots and often avoids the subject altogether.
Much of that is due to the falling-out with the team's owner and the docuseries released last year, but because he still appears on podcasts to talk about the NFL, it was inevitable he'd have to discuss the Patriots' playoff run.
That happened earlier this week when Belichick appeared on “Let’s Go” with Jim Gray, and shockingly, he seemed to favor the Patriots in their upcoming matchup against the Chargers. Although they're the current betting favorites, not many are buying into what they have accomplished this year, so it's surprising to hear Belichick on the other side.
Perhaps he legitimately believes they can move further in the playoffs, or he sees the Chargers' weaknesses as something the Patriots will be willing to exploit. Regardless, his support of his former team is a welcome change.
Bill Belichick is not sold on the Chargers chances against the Patriots on Wild Card weekend
While discussing the upcoming game, Belichick emphasized that the Chargers could be in for a rough time if some of their bad habits continue into their primetime matchup.
That obviously hints at some favortism for the Patriots' chances, especially since QB Justin Herbert is playing through a hand injury, and the Patriots will be at one of the healthiest points they have been all season.
That could lead to big problems for LA, including playing from behind, as Belichick says, which is not a place they'll want to be in.
Bill Belichick, on @SiriusXMNFL and "Let's Go" with @JimGrayOfficial, on what he's watching for in Chargers-Patriots playoff game:
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 6, 2026
"What's the quarterback situation with Herbert? Broken hand and all, that's definitely been a factor. They've had some injuries on the offensive…
Herbert's injury is certainly something the Patriots' defense will want to take advantage of by forcing him to think and act quickly, which could lead to mistakes, while also bringing him to the ground as much as possible.
That should be their goal every week, but it's even more crucial for this game, given that they are playing beat up from the top down, starting with Herbert.
If they can play with a significant lead, much like they did against the Bills in Week 15, and maintain that momentum for all four quarters, Belichick believes it would be difficult for the Chargers to get out of that hole, so that's exactly what they should try to do.
It's one way for the Patriots to make their big-time matchup a lot easier to win, especially given who they might face in the second round. If they can follow the blueprint Belichick kind of revealed, there's plenty of reason to buy into New England continuing on a potentially deep playoff run.