Patriots win first playoff game since Brady's departure

The New England Patriots have won a playoff game in the NFL for the first time since their Super Bowl victory seven years ago – back then with Tom Brady as quarterback.

12 January 2026

From: dpa

Against the Los Angeles Chargers, the football team led by Brady's successor, Drake Maye, secured a 16-3 victory, ending a drought for the long-suffering fans from the greater Boston area. "What a night for the defense," said Maye. "Great win, that was fun."

Although Maye only managed one touchdown pass in the first playoff game of his career, he led his team thoughtfully against the Chargers and will now face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Houston Texans – this game will also take place in Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots, who reached the Super Bowl nine times and won six of them under Brady in 17 years, haven't even made the playoffs in the last three years. Neither Cam Newton nor Mac Jones could replicate the Brady era under former successful coach Bill Belichick. Both quarterbacks and Belichick are now history, and former professional Mike Vrabel has taken over as head coach this season – and thanks to a strong season, Maye is a candidate for the regular season MVP award.

49ers knock out defending champion Eagles

Meanwhile, all the decisions in the NFC Wild Card round have already been made. The San Francisco 49ers knocked the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles out of the NFL playoffs with a narrow victory. The 23-19 win on the US East Coast ended all of Philadelphia's hopes of returning to the Super Bowl – while the 49ers can continue to dream of a home game at Levi's Stadium on February 8th.

Eric Kendricks & Co. defeated the Eagles. © APA / ELSA

The 49ers travel to Seattle this weekend to face the Seahawks, the team that snatched first place in the NFC and a first-round bye from San Francisco last week. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field for a spot in the Conference Finals.

Christian McCaffrey made the difference against the Eagles, catching two touchdowns in the final quarter. "Our team fights. We take it one day at a time and always give it our all, whether in practice or in a game. I can't say enough good things about this team," said the 29-year-old 49ers forward. "We focused on every single play; we knew it would be a twelve-round battle. Nothing rattled us, and we trusted each other."

The 49ers' trick play ends in a touchdown.

His first touchdown was particularly noteworthy, as it truly brought the 49ers back into the game. While the team was never far behind, the Eagles seemed to be in control up to that point. A trick play, culminating in Jauan Jenkins throwing the long pass to McCaffrey instead of quarterback Brock Purdy, gave them their first lead after a 7-0 first quarter. This put San Francisco in control. A blow for San Francisco: tight end George Kittle injured his Achilles tendon in the first quarter. It remains to be seen whether he will play against Seattle next weekend.

Keywords American football NFL Playoffs