TIME UPDATE: Wild Card Playoff Game Between the Patriots and Chargers Could Be Affected by Heavy Rain in New England – Game Information

The AFC Wild Card matchup between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers is being closely monitored by league officials as heavy rain is expected to impact New England on game night, potentially affecting the opening stages or the middle portion of the contest at Gillette Stadium.

According to updated forecasts, a brief but intense rain band is expected during the evening hours, with the possibility of a heavy downpour lasting roughly one hour. The rain could arrive around kickoff or shortly after the game begins, bringing reduced visibility, slick field conditions, and strong wind gusts that may interfere with ball handling, footing, and overall game flow.

Current weather data indicates temperatures around 5°C (RealFeel near 3°C), mostly cloudy skies, westerly winds near 20 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h, and an 80% chance of precipitation. While the rain is not expected to last all night, its intensity during a short window could significantly affect player safety, officiating visibility, and in-stadium conditions for fans.

If rainfall becomes heavy enough to compromise field safety or visibility — particularly during live action — the NFL is prepared to temporarily delay the game by approximately 30 minutes to up to one hour. Such a delay would allow field crews to address drainage concerns and ensure safe playing conditions. In that scenario, the contest would resume later and extend beyond its originally projected end time, rather than being postponed to another day.

Game Information (Tentative):

• Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026

League officials, team staff, and stadium operations will continue to monitor weather conditions closely leading up to and during kickoff. While no final decision has been made, rain — not snow — is now considered the primary weather factor, and its timing could play a direct role in how the playoff showdown unfolds.

Whether delayed or played straight through the rain, the Patriots–Chargers matchup is still expected to deliver a high-stakes playoff battle — one that may be defined as much by resilience and adaptability as by execution on the field.