Keenan Allen Has 'Nightmares' After 'Super Painful' Chargers Loss to Patriots in NFL Playoffs

The Los Angeles Chargers' 16-3 defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC Wild Card Round still haunts wide receiver Keenan Allen.

"It was super painful," he said to ESPN's Kris Rhim. "For me personally, just having nightmares about basically that one fourth down on the goal line — just not coming down with that catch. I definitely don't want that to be my last play as a Charger."

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh gambled early when he went for it on 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line midway through the first quarter. Justin Herbert looked for Allen in the end zone but threw his pass over the head of the six-time Pro Bowler.

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That proved to be Los Angeles' best shot at getting a touchdown.

An offensive line that was missing starting tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater couldn't cope with New England's pressure. That resulted in Herbert getting sacked six times and throwing for just 159 yards.

Allen was targeted eight times and finished with three catches for 25 yards.

As the 33-year-old laid out, his frustration is compounded by the fact that that may have been his final appearance with the Chargers, for whom he has played 12 seasons.

Allen is heading to free agency, and L.A. might prefer to have a younger pass-catcher lining up out wide opposite Quentin Johnston. Ladd McConkey could assume an even bigger role in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as well.

Allen said the longer he remains unsigned the more it's "going to keep building the chip on my shoulder." If the Chargers opt against bringing him back, he may have another source of motivation.