Will the third attempt prove successful?
The Chargers have previously experienced two postseason defeats against New England, specifically in the 2007 AFC championship and a 2018 divisional round contest.
This historical note holds minor significance, given that the current rosters are completely transformed. The upcoming game showcases highly skilled coaches, Jim Harbaugh and New England’s Mike Vrabel, alongside top-tier quarterbacks, Justin Herbert and Drake Maye.
New England has faced a predominantly average group of signal-callers this season, securing victories against players like Cam Ward, Spencer Rattler, Dillon Gabriel, and the veteran 40-year-old Joe Flacco. However, they did overcome Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Buffalo’s outstanding and current NFL MVP Josh Allen, defeating the Bills in Week 5 but then relinquishing a significant 21-0 advantage against them in Week 15.
Naturally, teams compete against opponents as dictated by their NFL schedule, meaning quarterback matchups are not chosen. The Patriots have consistently performed well. Nevertheless, Herbert stands to pose a substantial test.
Despite this, Herbert has not secured a postseason win throughout his six seasons, enduring more hits than any other quarterback in the league (evidenced by his fractured left hand).
The Patriots are anticipated to rely extensively on their robust ground game to dictate tempo in the freezing conditions, aiming for a third straight triumph against their AFC adversaries from the western seaboard.
Rams at Carolina Panthers
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, right, celebrates a touchdown with tight end Colby Parkinson during a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
The Rams frequently occupied high positions in various power rankings this season, yet they occasionally experienced periods of significantly diminished performance.
A notable instance occurred in Week 13 in Carolina, where they suffered a 31-28 loss, marked by two Matthew Stafford interceptions, with one being returned 48 yards for a score. The Rams also committed a fumble during that contest.
The conclusion of the season proved troubling for the Rams, as they endured consecutive losses against Seattle and Atlanta, followed by a sluggish beginning in their final game versus Arizona.
However, this presents an opportune moment to encounter Carolina, as the Panthers concluded their season with three defeats across four games, succumbing to New Orleans, Seattle, and Tampa Bay.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams passes against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. (Erin Hooley / Associated Press)
This venerable NFL rivalry also represents the most recent playoff matchup, with the Bears and Packers having competed twice within the last month. They each secured one victory, despite Green Bay demonstrating superior play for six of the eight quarters.
The Packers likely believe they should have won both encounters, a sentiment that holds merit. Chicago found themselves down 14-3 at intermission in the initial game (ultimately losing by seven points) and trailed 6-0 at halftime in the subsequent game (which they ultimately won by six points).
In their most recent contest, both teams struggled to contain the rushing attack, with Green Bay accumulating 192 rushing yards and Chicago 150. Two weeks prior, Baltimore amassed 307 rushing yards against the Packers.
Chicago frequently allows significant gains and possesses a negligible pass rush.
This encounter is rich with historical significance. Chicago’s most recent playoff victory occurred in the 2010 divisional round against Seattle. Just seven days later, the Bears were defeated in the NFC championship by… Green Bay.
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen warms up before facing the New York Jets on Sunday. (Seth Wenig / Associated Press)
Could this be the year the Buffalo Bills finally achieve ultimate success?
A substantial obstacle stands before them in the frequently underestimated Jacksonville Jaguars, potentially the most well-rounded squad in the conference. They have remained undefeated since their Week 10 defeat by a touchdown against Houston.
Buffalo’s Allen has performed with expected brilliance, completing four consecutive games without an interception in December. He will confront the AFC’s top unit for turnovers, as the Jaguars trail only Chicago with 31.
The Bills concluded their 17-year playoff absence in 2017 when they met Jacksonville in an opening-round match. The Jaguars emerged victorious, and four months subsequent, the Bills selected Allen in the draft.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy passes against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. (Jed Jacobsohn / Associated Press)
These clubs clashed at Lincoln Financial Field three seasons prior during the NFC championship, where San Francisco’s quarterback Brock Purdy departed the contest with a severe elbow issue almost immediately after it began.
The 49ers returned to Philadelphia in 2023 and decisively defeated the Eagles, 42-19, though this offered minimal solace for their prior championship game loss, being just one step shy of the Super Bowl.
This encounter does not favor the 49ers significantly, as Philadelphia possesses the capability to establish a ground attack against San Francisco’s defense, mirroring Seattle’s performance in the regular-season closer, where the Seahawks amassed 180 rushing yards.
The Eagles’ rushing game has demonstrated inconsistency, yet it can be explosive on occasion, recording 207 yards versus Washington, 183 against Las Vegas, and 276 when facing the New York Giants.
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates after a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. (Terrance Williams / Associated Press)
Ka’imi Fairbairn converted six field goals on Sunday during a 38-30 victory against Indianapolis, contributing to the Texans’ ninth successive win.
Precise kicking attempts were scarce toward the conclusion of Sunday night’s high-stakes contest between Baltimore and Pittsburgh; following a missed field goal by the Ravens from a short distance, the Steelers narrowly secured a two-point win and the AFC North championship.
This implies that Aaron Rodgers, at 42 years old, remains active and holds the prospect of guiding the Steelers to their initial playoff win since 2016.
The Texans, having eliminated the Chargers from the postseason last year, have no prior playoff history against Pittsburgh. Furthermore, they have never achieved a road victory in the playoffs.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
