The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a strong regular season, built on elite quarterback play and an offense that can strike from anywhere on the field. But playoff football has a way of rewriting scripts, and this one feels primed for a surprise.
The New England Patriots enter this matchup with optimism is buzzing in Foxborough. The Drake Maye playoff era officially begins, and while the shoes he’s stepping into are historically massive, the moment doesn’t look too big for him. Expect a tight, physical game with fantasy relevance on both sides and a narrow Patriots victory over the Chargers when it matters most.
Quarterbacks
- Start: Drake Maye (Patriots)
The rookie gets his first taste of playoff football, and the matchup sets up better than many expect. The Chargers’ defense has shown cracks against mobile quarterbacks and aggressive downfield passers. Maye’s confidence has grown weekly, and New England won’t shy away from letting him attack.
Fantasy Outlook:
- 2 passing TDs
- Poise under pressure
- Strong QB1/2 start this week
- Start: Justin Herbert (Chargers)
If the Chargers are going to win this game, it’s going to be on Herbert’s right arm. He’ll be asked to carry the offense, especially if New England succeeds in controlling the clock.
Fantasy Outlook:
- High volume passing
- One of his biggest games of the season
- Locked-in start despite tough matchup
Running Backs
- Start: Rhamondre Stevenson & TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots)
Yes — start both. New England’s game plan revolves around versatility, and both backs are heavily involved in the passing game. Expect checkdowns, designed screens, and mismatches against linebackers all afternoon.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Strong PPR value
- Combined high catch totals
- Safe floors with TD upside
Chargers RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) to play vs. Patriots – Kris Rhim Via ESPN
- Start: Omarion Hampton (Chargers)
Hampton is healthy at the right time and should see plenty of early touches as the Chargers attempt to establish balance and set up play-action shots.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Solid workload
- Red-zone involvement
- RB2 with upside
Wide Receivers
STEFON DIGGSARRAIGNMENT AUDIBLE… Date Pushed Until After Super Bowl Via TMZ
- Start: Stefon Diggs (Patriots)
“Daddy Diggs” has been here before: big moments, big pressure, big performances. He’s proven all season that he can rise when defenses key in on him, and the playoffs are where stars earn legacies.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Playoff TD incoming
- WR1 usage
- Must-start in all formats
Start: Quentin Johnston (Chargers)
Johnston has quietly turned the corner. The drops that plagued him earlier in his career? Largely gone. His chemistry with Herbert continues to grow, and his size gives him real end-zone value.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Strong connection with Herbert
- Touchdown upside
- High-reward start
Flex: Ladd McConkey (Chargers)
McConkey hasn’t been getting the best reviews lately, but don’t overlook the production. He found the end zone the last time these teams played a competitive game, and the Chargers will need him to step up in critical moments.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Sneaky flex play
- Slot usage = steady targets
- Boom-or-bust playoff option
Flex: Tre Harris (Chargers)
The targets tell the story. Harris continues to be involved, and volume alone makes him fantasy relevant.
Fantasy Outlook:
- 5–6 receptions expected
- Safe PPR flex
- Chain-mover role
Tight Ends
- Start: Hunter Henry (Patriots)
Tom Brady jokes that Henry is the best tight end in Patriots history — and while that’s debatable, what’s not is his importance to this offense. Maye leans on him heavily, especially in high-pressure situations.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Red-zone favorite
- High snap share
- TE1 this week
Sit ‘Em
- Sit: Keenan Allen (Chargers)
Allen remains reliable for short gains, but reliability doesn’t always equal fantasy value in the playoffs. Expect 4–5 catches, but don’t expect him to find the end zone.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Low ceiling
- Better real-life impact than fantasy
- Bench if you have upside alternatives
Final Take
This game has all the makings of a classic: veteran stars, rising rookies, and a playoff atmosphere that favors toughness and adaptability. The Chargers may have had the better regular season, but New England’s balance and Drake Maye’s confidence give them the edge in a close one.
Prediction: Patriots win a nail-biter.
Fantasy Verdict: Start your Patriots, trust Herbert, and chase upside where it matters most.
