They aren’t favored, the Chargers arriving at the divisional playoff round as something of a relative unknown nationally.
The franchise hadn’t been to the postseason since the 2013 season and is attempting to reach the AFC title game for just the second time since the mid-1990s.
And they are about to face a New England team that has played in the conference final seven consecutive years.
“The Patriots, basically, they’re America’s favorite team,” Chargers safety Jahleel Addae said. “Some people would argue the [Dallas] Cowboys.