Chargers vs. Patriots AI Picks for Wild Card Weekend: NFL Playoff Predictions & Projected Stats

The final game of a busy NFL playoff Sunday kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. ET when the New England Patriots (14-3) host the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and our Chargers vs. Patriots AI picks expect the road underdogs to pull off the outright upset on NFL Wild Card Weekend.

We've trained the latest ChatGPT model to offer its exact score prediction and projected stat leaders for both teams, as well as its best player prop pick today. To be clear, these picks are intended as fun entertainment - you can catch all of our expert picks (from actual humans) with our NFL playoff predictions ahead of the Wild Card Round.

🤖 Chargers vs. Patriots AI picks: NFL Wild Card Weekend

See all of our NFL AI predictions with projected scores for every wild-card game.

🔢 Chargers projected stats

• Passing leader: Justin Herbert — 24/36, 268 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing leader: Omarion Hampton — 14 carries, 62 yards
• Receiving leader: Keenan Allen — 8 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD

🔢 Patriots projected stats

• Passing leader: Drake Maye — 22/34, 241 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing leader: TreVeyon Henderson — 16 carries, 71 yards
• Receiving leader: Stefon Diggs — 6 receptions, 78 yards

🔮 Chargers vs. Patriots prediction

The Chargers earn the edge by leaning into Justin Herbert’s arm talent against a Patriots secondary that’s been vulnerable to layered route concepts and tempo changes. Los Angeles does most of its damage in the first half, converting short fields and finishing drives through Keenan Allen in the red zone. While the run game is modest, Herbert’s efficiency on early downs keeps the offense on schedule and limits negative plays.

New England hangs around because Drake Maye settles in after halftime, attacking intermediate windows and extending drives with his legs when needed. The Patriots control the third quarter and briefly take the lead, but their inability to consistently finish drives forces them to settle for field goals late. Herbert responds with one composed fourth-quarter scoring drive, and the Chargers’ defense closes it out with a final stop.

Score prediction: Chargers 24, Patriots 23

  Looking for more? Dive into Liam Fox's Chargers vs. Patriots prediction. Or grab a larger payout with Brenden Schaeffer's Chargers vs. Patriots same-game parlay.

🤖 Chargers vs. Patriots player prop pick

See the latest NFL odds and our (human) experts' NFL picks for every wild-card game.

⬆️ Justin Herbert Over 225.5 passing yards

This matchup favors Herbert because New England’s defensive structure is designed to limit explosive plays, not volume, and that plays into Herbert’s strengths as a rhythm passer. The Patriots have been willing to concede intermediate completions, especially against quarterbacks who can process quickly and punish soft zones, and Herbert is well equipped to take what’s available without forcing mistakes.

The game script also supports sustained passing volume. With the Patriots expected to remain competitive into the fourth quarter, the Chargers won’t be able to shift fully into a run-heavy approach, keeping Herbert active across all four quarters. Even without a massive second-half surge, Herbert’s early efficiency and late-game drive to protect a narrow lead give him a strong path to clearing this number in a one-score playoff game.

Best prop pick: Justin Herbert Over 225.5 passing yards

📺 How to watch Chargers vs. Patriots: NFL Wild Card Weekend

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 11
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
• TV: NBC

🔮 Expert picks for Chargers vs. Patriots

• Chargers vs. Patriots prediction
• Chargers vs. Patriots same-game parlay
• Chargers vs. Patriots weather report
• Chargers vs. Patriots player props
• Chargers vs. Patriots AI picks
• Chargers vs. Patriots prediction market
• Anytime touchdown scorer predictions for Chargers vs. Patriots
• Chargers vs. Patriots expert picks