Going into their Week 18 game with the Dolphins, the Patriots were the No. 2 seed, with the chance of snatching the No. 1 seed and first-round bye from the Broncos if they lost to the Chargers at Mile High Stadium.
Because that seemed unlikely given that the Chargers were resting many of their starters, it was inevitable that Denver would come out the victor and hold onto the coveted top spot in the AFC playoff picture. And the Patriots' dominant win over the Dolphins means they will be just behind them at No. 2, and they now know who they'll face on Wild Card weekend.
It was a battle between the Bills and Chargers, both competing for the No. 6 or No. 7 seeds, with the hope that one would be the lower seed to ensure they faced the Patriots.
With the Chargers' loss, that means they'll be coming to Foxboro next weekend, and the Patriots will have the task of ending their playoff dreams on their home turf.
Considering the other option was facing the Bills for a third time, this might be the best-case scenario, even if Chargers fans were hoping for this reality, too.
With Denver on the verge of beating the Chargers, the AFC playoff seeding and wild-card matchups will look like this:
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2026
🏈 No. 1 Broncos (bye)
🏈 No. 7 Chargers at No. 2 Patriots
🏈 No. 6 Bills at No. 3 Jaguars
🏈 No. 5 Texans at No. 4 Ravens/Steelers winner
The Patriots need to buckle down and fix their mistakes to not be one and done in the playoffs
The last time the Chargers visited Gillette Stadium, it was a masterclass in how not to win a game by the New England.
It was one of the final games of the 2024 season, with the Patriots losing 7-40, and having to stomach watching wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who many felt they should have drafted, put up big numbers against them on their home field.
This is a different team, though, with Mike Vrabel taking over and helping to lead the Patriots to a 14-3 record, after back-to-back seasons with just four wins. They now have the opportunity to prove they are one of the best teams in the league, despite the countless narratives suggesting they're not, by beating the Chargers and moving on in the postseason.
It won't be easy, since they have a loaded offense, and the Patriots' defense will need to play cleaner next week. But it's not impossible and will be a great way to continue what has been an impressive season filled with defying expectations.