Drake Maye Among Five Patriots to Watch vs. Chargers

Henderson enters this playoff matchup having compiled 911 yards on 180 carries with nine touchdowns, while averaging 5.1 yards-per-carry during the regular season. The Pats’ second-round selection (38 overall) has the big-play ability to make it happen.

Henderson’s exceptional breakaway speed and acceleration have separated him form his peers, thus far. While Rhamondre Stevenson is unlikely to be relegated to minimal duty, Henderson’s abilities as a rusher, pass-catcher and blocker make him a potential triple threat in coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offensive game plan against the Chargers’ defense. 

As the remaining half of New England’s rushing tandem, Stevenson is heading into the postseason playing some of the best football of his career. The Oklahoma product rushed seven times for 131 yards and two touchdowns, while catching targets for 22 yards and another score in the Patriots' 38-10 win over the Dolphins in Week 18.

Stevenson concluded the regular season with six total touchdowns (four rushing, two receiving) in the last three contests, with last week’s rushing yardage total being his highest of the season. While the Pats may not be expecting the same statistical output from him against the Chargers eighth-ranked run defense, Stevenson’s effectiveness in the red zone could help to tip the scales in favor of New England’s ground game.

Hunter Henry

Having played for the Chargers from 2016-20, Henry may be entering this game with a sense of nostalgia. However, there should be no question as to which team holds his loyalty. This season, Henry has remained one of quarterback Drake Maye’s most reliable targets. The veteran tight end is most productive when playing the traditional “Y” role, accentuating his route-running skills, as well as his ability to box out. He has also proven himself to be a strong blocker and reliable pass catcher. 

The Pats’ team captain finished the regular season as the Pats' second-leading receiver — amassing a career-high 768 receiving yards while also logging seven touchdowns over 17 games. Due to the Chargers’ ability to lock opponents down in the red zone — allowing a stingy 46.9% touchdown rate inside the 20 — Henry’s veteran leadership and prowess in sciring position could make him a frequent target of Maye in this wild card round matchup.

Robert Spillane

Spillane, who has been absent from in-game action since mid-December due to an ankle injury, is “feeling great and good to go.” As such, the Patriots’ defensive captain is expected to play against the Chargers, in what will be New England’s first playoff game since 2021. His return should provide the Patriots with additional toughness and tenacity along their defensive front — traits which the Patshave somewhat lacked in his absence, and one which the Chargers possess in abundance.

The Chargers' rushing offense ranks 12th in the NFL, averaging 121.6 yards per game with 10 ground-game touchdowns. L.A.’s top rushing scorer, rookie Omarion Hampton (four touchdowns), has been dealing with an ankle injury, while their top yardage runner, Kimani Vidal (643 yards), has recently been dealing with neck strain. Despite the loss of defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga due to a foot injury, Spillane’s tackling abilities (97 total tackles this season) will strengthen the Patriots’ run defense.

Marcus Jones

In addition to being a second-team All-Pro punt returner this season, Jones is also New England’s primary slot cornerback. The former Houston Cougar has aligned on 71 percent of New England’s snaps on defense.

This season, he has compiled 65 total tackles, 11 pass deflections and three interceptions. During New England’s Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Jones showcased the prowess that earned him Defensive Player of the Month honors for October. He jumped and picked off a short-right pass attempt by Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco and returned the interception 33 yards for the score.

Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert prefers to utilize receiver Ladd McConkey in the slot — an area in which the Bolts’ receiver aligns on 63.6% of his routes. While New England might pair McConkey with Christian Gonzalez when he plays on the perimeter, Jones should see the majority of his time matched against the ex-Georgia Bulldog on wild card weekend.