Image Source: Daniel Lewis
Key Takeaways:
- The New England Patriots are 3.5-point favorites over the Los Angeles Chargers in their Wild Card matchup on Sunday Night Football.
- The over/under for the game is 45.5, making it one of the highest totals for the first round of the 2026 NFL playoffs.
- Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is active after missing Week 18 and being listed as questionable for the game.
- NFL DFS expert Mike McClure recommends quarterback Drake Maye and receiver Ladd McConkey as top picks for the game.
- McClure is also targeting an undervalued player who could explode for huge numbers on Sunday Night Football.
Introduction to the Game
The penultimate game of Wild Card Weekend is set to take place on Sunday Night Football, as the New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Patriots are favored by 3.5 points, while the over/under is 45.5, making it one of the highest totals for the first round of the 2026 NFL playoffs. As the kickoff temperature is expected to hover around freezing, this will be a factor to consider when crafting NFL DFS strategy for any showdown slates on sites like DraftKings or FanDuel. As McClure notes, "the kickoff temperature is expected to hover around freezing, so that’ll be a factor when crafting NFL DFS strategy for any showdown slates on sites like DraftKings or FanDuel."
Injury Update
Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is active after missing Week 18 and being listed as questionable for the game. This is a significant development, as Hampton’s presence could impact the team’s running game and overall strategy. As McClure advises, "Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is active after missing Week 18 and being listed as questionable for ‘SNF’." Hampton’s status can also be factored into NFL DFS lineups, as his availability could affect the team’s passing game and overall scoring potential.
NFL DFS Picks
NFL DFS expert Mike McClure is recommending quarterback Drake Maye and receiver Ladd McConkey as top picks for the game. Maye has had a standout season, completing 72% of passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. As McClure notes, "Maye burst into the MVP conversation this season after completing 72% of passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and just eight interceptions." McConkey, on the other hand, has shown big-play ability recently, making a catch of at least 25 yards in each of his past two games. McClure is confident in Maye’s ability to produce at a reasonable price, despite both defenses having strong numbers against opposing quarterbacks.
Undervalued Player
McClure is also targeting an undervalued player who could explode for huge numbers on Sunday Night Football. This pick could be the difference between winning tournaments and cash games or going home with nothing. As McClure advises, "You can only see who it is, and the rest of McClure’s NFL DFS picks, at SportsLine." McClure’s methodology has led to enormous cashes on FanDuel and DraftKings, including finishing tied for first in the DraftKings Millionaire Maker twice and the FanDuel Million once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Patriots-Chargers matchup on Sunday Night Football is expected to be a high-scoring game, with the over/under at 45.5. With Omarion Hampton active, the Chargers’ running game could be a factor, while quarterback Drake Maye and receiver Ladd McConkey are top NFL DFS picks for the game. McClure’s expert advice and recommendations can help give your salary-cap roster an edge, and his undervalued player pick could be the key to winning tournaments and cash games. As McClure notes, "You can only see his picks and analysis at SportsLine." By following McClure’s advice and considering the factors mentioned above, NFL DFS players can make informed decisions and increase their chances of success.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-dfs-patriots-chargers-wild-card-2026-daily-fantasy-lineups-picks-advice-fanduel-draftkings-sunday-night-football/
