The Chargers vs New England Patriots match player stats from their Week 17 clash on December 28, 2024, paint a clear picture of domination. The Los Angeles Chargers crushed the New England Patriots 40–7 at Gillette Stadium. This game was important not just because of the scoreline, but because it helped the Chargers officially secure a spot in the NFL playoffs, making it a critical performance for the season.
From the first quarter, the Chargers had control. They moved the ball with ease, kept the Patriots under pressure, and didn’t give up any big plays. The Patriots, on the other hand, struggled to find any offensive rhythm. It was one of their worst performances of the season, and their rookie quarterback had a tough day. For fans, bettors, and fantasy players, this game offered a lot of insight into team form, strategy, and key player progress going into the postseason.
Table of Contents
Chargers Offense Player Stats: Who Shined on the Field
The Chargers’ offense was explosive and efficient in this matchup. Quarterback Justin Herbert led the way with a nearly flawless performance. He completed 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns, carving up the Patriots’ secondary with confidence and precision. His connection with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey was especially deadly, making it one of Herbert’s sharpest games of the season. The offense controlled the tempo, avoided mistakes, and kept drives alive. Herbert also made NFL history by becoming the third quarterback ever to throw for 3,000+ yards and 20+ TDs in each of his first five seasons.
Ladd McConkey was the standout wide receiver. He hauled in 8 receptions for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns, breaking multiple rookie franchise records for the Chargers in the process. His route-running and ability to create separation made him a reliable target all game long. Derius Davis, another receiver, contributed with a 23-yard touchdown reception, adding to the offensive firepower. In the ground game, J.K. Dobbins provided balance with 19 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers executed a well-balanced offensive game plan that relied on both pass and run to keep the Patriots’ defense guessing.
Quick Info Table – Chargers Top Offensive Stats
| Player | Position | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | QB | 26/38, 281 YDS, 3 TDs |
| Ladd McConkey | WR | 8 REC, 94 YDS, 2 TDs |
| Derius Davis | WR | 1 REC, 23 YDS, 1 TD |
| J.K. Dobbins | RB | 19 RUSH, 76 YDS, 1 TD |
| Cameron Dicker | K | 4/4 FGs (27, 38, 41, 35 Yards) |
Chargers Defence & Turnovers
The Chargers’ defense was equally dominant, completely shutting down New England’s offensive plans. They applied pressure on rookie quarterback Drake Maye all night, sacking him four times and forcing multiple mistakes. Derwin James, the Chargers’ star safety, had a huge night with 2 sacks and a fumble recovery, making his presence felt on nearly every defensive series. The front seven played aggressive, fast football and made life miserable for the Patriots’ backfield.
The Patriots struggled to get first downs, going just 2 for 10 on third-down conversions. The Chargers’ defense consistently forced punts, got the ball back to the offense, and killed any momentum New England tried to build. They held the Patriots to only 181 total yards, which included a small number of rushing and passing yards. The defensive unit was clearly well-coached and executed their assignments with discipline. Their pressure and play-calling were major reasons why the Patriots never stood a chance.
Patriots Offense Player Stats: Struggles Highlighted
It was a tough game for the Patriots’ offense, especially for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He completed only 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards, threw one touchdown, and was sacked four times. He also lost a fumble and left the game briefly after taking a hard hit that raised concussion concerns. It was a rough night for Maye against a very aggressive Chargers defense, and he struggled to find open receivers or enough time in the pocket to operate comfortably.
The only offensive highlight for New England came from wide receiver DeMario Douglas, who caught a 36-yard touchdown pass. Outside of that single play, the offense couldn’t move the ball effectively. The rushing attack was weak, barely crossing 90 total yards, and the passing game had only 117 net yards. The offensive line allowed too many pressures, and the receivers couldn’t get separation. It was an all-around breakdown that reflected in their inability to score more than one touchdown in the game.
Full Team Stats & Box Score Overview
Here’s a side-by-side look at the overall team performance. The Chargers dominated in every category, from yardage and first downs to time of possession. The Patriots couldn’t keep up with the offensive pace or make the defensive stops needed to turn the tide.
Full Team Comparison
| Stat | Chargers | Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 428 | 181 |
| Passing Yards | 281 | 117 |
| Rushing Yards | 147 | 64 |
| First Downs | 29 | 11 |
| Time of Possession | 40:34 | 19:26 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 10/17 | 2/10 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 4 |
Tactical Insights & Game Trends
The game plan from the Chargers was near perfect. Offensively, they kept things balanced—running the ball well, using quick passes to neutralize the pass rush, and taking deep shots when the defense overcommitted. The Patriots’ defense couldn’t figure out how to stop Justin Herbert or contain the receivers in space. Every offensive drive felt purposeful and calculated.
Defensively, the Chargers relied on disguised blitzes, aggressive man coverage, and constant pressure on the quarterback. They didn’t give Drake Maye any room to breathe. New England’s offensive scheme looked basic and unprepared for the Chargers’ intensity. It was a coaching masterclass by Jim Harbaugh, whose adjustments on both sides of the ball kept the Patriots chasing shadows all night.
Historical Rivalry & Series Impact
Historically, the Chargers vs Patriots rivalry dates back to the 1960s as part of the old AFL days. While the Patriots have had the upper hand in most of their recent matchups, especially under Bill Belichick, the tables turned in this game. The 2024 season marked a changing of the guard with the Chargers showing real dominance.
This win was more than just a regular-season victory—it symbolized a shift in competitive balance. The Chargers’ win broke their Foxborough losing streak and showed that the team is ready to contend at the highest level. For fans of both teams, this game was a sign that the Patriots are in rebuild mode, while the Chargers are looking like true playoff threats.
What Fans & Fantasy Players Should Know
If you’re into fantasy football, this game had some clear takeaways. Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, and J.K. Dobbins all delivered high fantasy value with touchdowns and strong yardage. Cameron Dicker was also a top-performing kicker. On the defensive side, Derwin James may have been one of the best IDP (individual defensive player) options for the week.
For Patriots fans and fantasy holders, it was a painful game. Outside of DeMario Douglas’s lone TD, there was nothing much to gain. In betting markets, the Chargers easily covered the spread, and their offensive players smashed their prop lines. For anyone watching this game for fantasy or betting angles, it was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift and how player form matters more than team history.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The Chargers vs New England Patriots match player stats make one thing clear: the Chargers are a complete football team right now. They dominated on offense, defense, and special teams. Every key player stepped up, and they made a powerful statement heading into the playoffs. Justin Herbert proved once again why he’s among the elite quarterbacks in the league, and the young talent around him is only getting better.
For the Patriots, it’s back to the drawing board. They have promise in rookies like Drake Maye and Douglas, but the rest of the team needs serious improvement. This matchup didn’t just highlight differences in stats—it highlighted the gap in execution, preparation, and overall team chemistry. The Chargers walk away winners on every level.
FAQs: Chargers vs New England Patriots Match Player Stats
1. Who were the top performers in the Chargers vs Patriots game?
Justin Herbert (QB), Ladd McConkey (WR), and J.K. Dobbins (RB) were the top Chargers. DeMario Douglas had the only TD for the Patriots.
2. What was the final score of the Chargers vs Patriots game?
The Chargers defeated the Patriots 40–7 in a one-sided contest played in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season.
3. How did the Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye perform?
Drake Maye completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards and 1 TD but was sacked 4 times and left briefly with a head injury.
4. Did the Chargers clinch a playoff spot with this win?
Yes, this win officially secured the Chargers a spot in the postseason, making it a crucial victory late in the season.
5. Where can I see full player stats and game highlights?
You can check official NFL websites, ESPN, and YouTube for full box scores, video highlights, and player breakdowns.
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