With wild-card weekend now complete, their position for the first round of the 2026 NFL draft is locked in. For the second consecutive year, the Chargers own the No. 22 overall pick after the Texans beat the Steelers.

A pair of AFC powerhouses closed out the Sunday triple-header of wild-card games. The Patriots stymied Justin Herbert and L.A. Here's how it happened:

The Chargers’ 2025 season is officially over, following the team’s playoff exit at the hands of the Patriots on Sunday night in the wild-card round. The uninspired 16–3 defeat will leave a sour taste in the mouths of fans in L.A., but now it’s time for the Chargers to look forward to the offseason.

The LA Chargers and New England Patriots matchup is among the more even contests of Wild Card weekend. Both teams have been impressive at times and are led by their quarterbacks, Drake Maye and Justin Herbert.

Now Herbert is seeking his very first playoff win. Both of his previous postseason losses came on the road in the Wild Card Round. The Chargers fell 32-12 to the Texans last year, and in 2022, they lost 31-30 to the Jaguars after blowing a 27-0 lead.

Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey regressed in his second NFL season, and he honestly reflected on it following the loss to the Patriots.

Justin Herbert didn't look the part of an elite quarterback on Sunday night. And it wasn't the first time the LA Chargers' signal-caller no-showed on the biggest stage. There's no denying Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league and ...

Ahead of their AFC wild-card showdown with the New England Patriots, the Chargers are trying to stay focused and confident, but will Omarion Hampton play?