FOXBORO — Julian Edelman watched the Patriots advance to a second straight Super Bowl last February as he recovered from knee surgery after tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament in a preseason game.

It was the second time in six years that the tough, talkative and talented receiver missed the playoffs due to a season-ending injury. As one would expect, being an observer rather than participant wasn’t easy for the endlessly energetic Edelman. [...]

FOXBORO — Julian Edelman watched the Patriots advance to a second straight Super Bowl last February as he recovered from knee surgery after tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament in a preseason game.

It was the second time in six years that the tough, talkative and talented receiver missed the playoffs due to a season-ending injury. As one would expect, being an observer rather than participant wasn’t easy for the endlessly energetic Edelman.

So, it was no surprise that Edelman was especially excited to be playing — and producing — as the Patriots opened the playoffs with a 41-28 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday afternoon in an AFC divisional-round game at Gillette Stadium.

“It was nice to be out there and compete with the team and get a win in the playoffs against a really good opponent,” Edelman said. “That’s why you play this game.

“The regular season is awesome, it’s fun, but the postseason, I’ve been fortunate enough to play in some games and that intensity and adrenaline you get from it is a lot.”

Edelman contributed in myriad ways. He caught nine of 13 targeted passes for a career-high-tying 151 yards, picked up 7 yards on a jet sweep, cleanly fielded five punts while returning one 16 yards and contributed as a blocker.

Edelman, along with running backs Sony Michel (3 touchdowns) and James White (15 catches), spearheaded the offense as the Patriots piled up 498 yards and 30 first downs while scoring on seven of their first nine drives.

“It’s potentially the last game of the year, so you’re going to give high effort,” Edelman said. “That’s what I tried to do and that’s what everyone in here tried to do. That’s playoff football.”

The second-seeded Patriots (12-5) advanced to meet the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs (13-4) at 6:40 p.m. next Sunday in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead Stadium.

It’ll be the eighth straight appearance in the conference championship for the Patriots, who defeated the Chiefs, 44-41, in Foxboro in Week 6.

“We’re going to play the best team in the AFC, the one seed,” Edelman said. “We’re going to go on the road in a hostile environment, Kansas City, and they have a really good football team.

“So, it’s going to start with an unbelievable week of practice and preparation. We need to do that to give us the best shot to go out there and win.”

Edelman continued his climb up the all-time NFL playoff charts with his prodigious production against the Chargers.

The 10th-year pro passed Reggie Wayne (93) and moved into second place behind Jerry Rice (151) for career postseason receptions with 98. He also climbed six places to seventh in receiving yardage with 1,175.

Edelman grew up in the Bay Area in a home close to Rice’s and watched the Pro Football Hall of Famer star for the San Francisco 49ers, so he’s humbled to be mentioned with him.

“He’s the GOAT [receiver],” Edelman said. “Anytime you’re in the same sentence with him, you pinch yourself. So, it’s pretty cool, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t win.”

Edelman was at his best in a dominant first half, catching seven passes for 107 yards as he repeatedly found soft spots when the Chargers played zone defense and consistently beat his defender when it was man-to-man coverage.

Six of those catches went for first downs, including one tackle-breaking, lunging effort late in the fourth quarter that fired up the stadium.

“He’s a warrior,” said Matthew Slater, who roomed with Edelman for years. “That joker will compete now. He loves to compete. He loves football. He lives for moments like this, as you saw today, and I’m just happy to call him friend.

“I’ve spent 10 great years with him and a lot of good memories and certainly a lot more added to the memory bank today with the way he played.”

And after watching the playoffs last year, a healthy and happy Edelman was ready and raring to assist the Patriots in their bid to advance to a third straight Super Bowl.