The Chargers are 9-6 as they travel across the country for Saturday’s matchup with the Patriots.
Here are five final thoughts ahead of Week 17:
1. A chance to clinch
You don't have to overthink this one.
The Chargers will clinch a playoff berth if they win Saturday in New England.
Not that this scenario changes the mindset the Bolts have had of late.
"It's [been] playoff games ever since what's been at stake a couple of weeks ago," Derwin James, Jr. said. "Every game, we've been treating them like a playoff game.
"It's just another opportunity for us to go out and keep creating what we're trying to build out here," James added.
Khalil Mack said: "This is a playoff game. No different than the last one. By any means necessary, we've got to do everything we can to win the game."
The Bolts currently sit in the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff field, but could move up to the fifth seed or drop to the No. 7 spot depending what happens in the final two weeks of the regular season.
One thing for sure is that the Patriots have the Chargers attention ahead of Saturday, especially after New England built a 14-0 lead and ended up losing by just three points to Buffalo in Week 16.
"It's always one week at a time," Justin Herbert said. "We've got a lot of respect for this Patriots team, they're a very good football team.
"We know that we're going on the road and we got to be ready for anything," Herbert added. "As long as we're continuing to build and get better each week, that's always been the mindset."
Rashawn Slater added: "We've got to focus on what's right in front of and that's the Patriots game. All the outside stuff to me, it's just outside. We're really focused on just taking care of business. This is a good opponent."
The Chargers should be rested and ready to go coming off a mini bye after their win over the Broncos.
If Harbaugh's squad is locked in and gets the job done, there could be a celebratory mood in the postgame locker room.
"Win the next game, that's our mindset," Harbaugh said.
Check out the best photos from the first practice of Week 17 as the Bolts gear up for their Saturday matchup. Stay updated with the latest injury report as the team strategizes for the week ahead.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
2. McConkey nearing 1,000 yards
Ladd McConkey is on the verge on some history.
The Chargers rookie wide receiver is only three catches away from setting a franchise rookie record. And he's only 87 yards away from setting a new Chargers rookie mark. Both record are currently held by Keenan Allen.
"Yeah, it's definitely cool coming out and having an impact in my rookie year," McConkey said. "I'm not going out there like, 'It has to happen this week.' I'm just trying to play and let it come to me."
McConkey has 69 catches for 960 yards so far this season, both teams highs, and is second on the team with five touchdown catches.
The 2024 second-round pick said he tried not to put any limits on his game as a rookie.
"I'm my hardest critic, but I try not to put too many expectations out there," McConkey said. "I don't really set goals like, 'I want this, I want that.'
"I just want to go out and contribute and get better and better every week and it's just kind of led up to this. Definitely has been cool though," McConkey added.
Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said earlier this week that while McConkey's production has been stellar, it's his drive and work ethic that have shined the most.
"This is a guy that continues to get better every day and who you can count on and trust," Roman said. "He's a got that has got really strong will.
"You can't measure that but I recognize it when I see it," Roman added. "That's probably why he is where he is and has done what he's done … he's very talented, don't get me wrong, but he's got a strong will along with it."
3. Maye making plays for Pats
If you break down the league's quarterbacks among those who have at least 300 dropbacks, Drake Maye ranks 24th in overall Pro Football Focus grade (72.2) and 28th in PFF passing grade (65.8).
But rushing grade? Maye is fourth overall with an 89.4 mark.
Put another way, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is still learning and growing as a passer. But he's already dynamic as a runner.
"He's another one of these young quarterbacks that's a playmaker, has the ability to make plays inside the pocket, outside the pocket, can run, can scramble," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said. "They had a couple designed runs for him against Buffalo this week.
"I think they've just expanded a little bit every week with him," Minter continued, "Like you would expect with a young guy."
Minter later added: "Very talented, very competitive, very high ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. You can see why he was picked where he was and why they think so highly of him."
Overall, Maye has gone 2-8 in 10 starts with the Patriots, throwing for 2,159 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Much like Bo Nix last week, the Chargers will be honed in on containing Maye and not letting him improvise his way down the field Saturday.
"He can move around a little bit. He can scramble around well," James said. "He finds open guys well, had a great game against Buffalo last week. We got to be ready."
Mack added: "A lot of potential, man. Athletic, strong, and then you just got the intangibles. He puts the team in the best position throughout the game. Ultimately, a stout and solid quarterback."
4. Offense wants to keep rolling
The Chargers offense matched their season high in points scored against the Broncos with 34.
Roman said this week that it might have been the unit's most complete performance of the year.
"I thought it was one of our better games and that we took a good step there. A really complete game," Roman said. "There were a lot of things that were done well and it was probably our most efficient game of the year.
"We track all kinds of things — something called MOE, margin of error – our best percentage of the year," Roman added. "Credit to the players on a short week."
The Bolts had their highest overall offensive EPA of the season (17.32) against Denver.
Even more notable, the Bolts trailed by double digits yet rallied against one of the NFL's top defenses in primetime.
Herbert said earlier this week that he hopes the Week 16 performance can be a springboard for a unit that has dealt with some inconsistencies this season.
"I think it is a huge momentum boost to be able to win a tough game like that against a very good opponent," Herbert said. "To be able to build off that, see some good things we did offensively and defensively, just continue to get better and progress, I think the signs are good there."
Slater added: "I think we all know what the expectation is now. We know we can do it so it's just a matter of, 'Let's go, let's do this.' Definitely good that that happened for us, and just have to get to work."
Roman concurred, noting that this is obviously the time of year that units want to be playing their best.
"You want to peak at this time. I've actually tried in past years to build it and do it," Roman said. "When it happens organically though, that's great. And that is what's going on here."
The Patriots rank 21st in yards allowed per game (342.8) and are tied for 24th in points allowed per game (24.1).
New England also ranks 30th in defensive EPA per play (0.078).
5. Jefferson steps up in secondary
There's been a bit of a revolving door in the Bolts secondary this season.
And it's safe to say that Tony Jefferson has been a savior of sorts on the back end.
Jefferson was signed as a tryout free agent in June and joined the team after impressing in mandatory minicamp.
While the 32-year-old began the season on the practice squad, he's been called upon of late with Elijah Molden battling a knee injury. Jefferson played all 64 defensive snaps against the Broncos.
"I felt ready for the occasion and the game and just trying to build off that," Jefferson said. "It's been a while since I have played that many snaps, but it was fun though. It's a good sore."
Jefferson was out of football last season as he was a scouting intern with the Ravens, a team he previously played for.
That stint included an overlap with Minter, who raved about the veteran's readiness and work ethic despite not playing much earlier in the season.
"You have injuries, you have guys go in and out, he's the guy that on the drop of a hat, could go in there and play multiple positions," Minter said. "He can go in there and execute the defense, get guys lined up, brings the confidence and a little bit of an edge when he's out there."
Jefferson has seen more playing time of late since Alohi Gilman went on Injured Reserve.
Even as the Bolts hope they can get to full strength for a potential playoff run, they know they can count on Jefferson in a pinch if needed.
"It's really the first time in my career where I haven't played, like being on the team and not playing," said Jefferson, a 10-year veteran. "I just wanted to make sure I was ready for the opportunity when it came whether that was just doing the right stuff for practice and stuff like that, keeping my body right.
"It's really just staying ready and being prepared, paying attention to meetings during those times where I wasn't playing," Jefferson added. "Just being ready to roll."
