Rivers: 'It is special' to be playing Patriots in divisional round

One of the best seasons of Philip Rivers' career has led the Los Angeles Chargers to a shot at redemption against the New England Patriots in next weekend's divisional round, 11 years after a 21-12 loss in the 2008 AFC Championship.

The eight-time Pro Bowler is looking forward to the opportunity to avenge a 19-for-37 performance with just 211 passing yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, after beating the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday's wild-card game.

"Is it special to just go to New England against a Hall of Fame coach (Bill Belichick) and arguably the best quarterback ever to play (Tom Brady) and get another shot at them? Heck yeah. Heck yeah it is. It is special," Rivers said after the win, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

"I’m not playing those guys, but I have a great deal of respect, fan of those guys. So to get an opportunity to go against them 11 years after we had that opportunity in that 2007 season, yeah, it’s awesome. I’m looking forward to it."

The 37-year-old Rivers had one of his more lackluster performances of the season on Sunday, completing 22 of 32 attempts for just 160 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Ravens' stellar defense.

He had a completion percentage of 68.3 with 4,308 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while leading the Chargers to a 12-4 record in the regular season. His 105.5 quarterback rating matched a career high he'd hit twice before.

The former fourth overall pick of the New York Giants has never beaten Tom Brady in his career and is just 1-7 against the Patriots - including a 0-2 postseason record - with his lone victory coming against Matt Cassel.