The Chargers are 10-6 and are going to the playoffs. First up, however, is a Week 18 road date with the Raiders.
Here are five takeaways from Harbaugh's Monday press conference:
1. Looking ahead to Week 18
With the regular-season finale on deck, one thing the Chargers know for sure is that they will either be the fifth or sixth seed in the AFC playoff field.
Other than that, their final seed, opponent and Wild Card playoff schedule are all up in the air.
How will Harbaugh and the Bolts approach Week 18?
"We just take it one day at a time," Harbaugh said. "As Derwin [James] said, 11 wins sounds better than 10. Plan will be to win."
Harbaugh later added: "I'm not going to get into the hypotheticals. Just going to take it one day at a time. We'll do what's best for the team."
Here are the scenarios ahead of Week 18.
If the Steelers lose Saturday and the Chargers win Sunday, the Bolts are the No. 5 seed and will play Houston.
But if the Steelers win Saturday, the Chargers will be the No. 6 seed no matter the outcome in Las Vegas.
Any chance Harbaugh would rest players if the Bolts were locked into that spot?
"If we were locked into a seed. We're not locked into a seed, so we're playing to move up," Harbaugh said. "We'd love to be in the fifth seed. That gives you a chance to have a playoff game at home.
"You could even be in the divisional round at home and the championship game at home," Harbaugh added. "That's where things stand for us. Plan is to win. That's been our mindset from the very beginning, win the next game. That's where we're at."
Hypothetically speaking, let's say the Chargers end up with the No. 5 seed and get past the Texans, who are locked into the No. 4 seed.
If the other two Wild Card teams (the Nos. 6 and 7 seeds) also won in the opening round, the Bolts would then host the No. 6 seed in the Divisional Round.
But that's a puzzle for a different day.
Harbaugh wrapped up his press conference by emphasizing that he he expects his team to be ready to go Sunday at 1:25 p.m. (PT) in Las Vegas.
"Like every week, we're going to go in and get ourselves prepared. We're going to need everybody," Harbaugh said.
2. Molden out for the season
Harbaugh on Monday confirmed that safety Elijah Molden will missed the rest of the season with a fibula injury.
"That's true. I can confirm that," Harbaugh said.
Molden was injured late in the third quarter against New England when he made a tackle and appeared to collide with James.
"That could have been when it occurred, I don't know," Harbaugh said. "He thought it was just a bruise, a bone bruise.
"Like, 'I need to get up and go walk this off.' He went and moved around but when he went back in, he felt it," Harbaugh added.
Molden, who was acquired in an August trade with the Titans, missed two plays before returning to the game, but went down on the ensuing play and had to be carted off.
Molden has played 760 defensive snaps this season, the third-most on the team. His injury is another hit to a safety group that is already has Alohi Gilman and Marcus Maye on Injured Reserve.
Harbaugh said Monday that Gilman's 21-day practice window could be opened this week.
James played 38 snaps against the Patriots but has primarily been in a nickel role of late.
Fellow safety Tony Jefferson played 31 snaps in Week 17.
"What kind of confidence do I have in the group? Tremendous confidence," Harbaugh said. "You're talking about Derwin James' position. Tony Jefferson has been phenomenal, just so good."
Eddie Jackson, who was signed to the practice squad last week, played 21 snaps against the Patriots.
"He got a game ball. Played well, 20-something plays," Harbaugh said. "We'll forge on. High confidence in that group."
Get an inside look at the postgame celebration from the Bolts 40-7 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
3. More injury updates
Harbaugh was also asked about the status of a pair of wide receivers.
Joshua Palmer left Saturday's game with a heel injury and was in a walking boot after the game.
"I don't know the update or the severity," said Harbaugh, who added he didn't think Palmer would need to go on Injured Reserve.
Palmer has 39 receptions for 584 yards and a touchdown this season.
Harbaugh also touched on wide receiver Simi Fehoko, who has been on Injured Reserve since sustaining an elbow injury in Week 9 in Cleveland.
Harbaugh indicated there is a chance the Bolts open Fehoko's 21-day practice window this week.
"We'll see. Today is Monday so we'll see on Wednesday. I'm sure we'll have updates on it," Harbaugh said.
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
Take a look back at the Chargers Week 17 matchup with the Patriots in monochrome!
4. A look at the RG spot
Harbaugh said Saturday that he was impressed with the trenches in the win over New England.
"I thought that was the best offensive line play we've had the entire season," Harbaugh said postgame.
He reiterated that sentiment on Monday afternoon.
"Offensive line as a whole, I thought they had a really good day," Harbaugh said.
Justin Herbert wasn't sacked as the offense rushed for 147 yards, their highest output since Week 11 against the Bengals.
Jamaree Salyer got the start at right guard with Trey Pipkins III out with a hip injury, but Sam Mustipher also rotated in with Salyer and ended up playing 34 snaps.
Harbaugh explained why Mustipher saw notable playing time in Week 17.
"To rotate in a good player," Harbaugh said. "Sam, he's been good. I thought he played really well.
"I'm going to give a game ball to all the five starting offensive lineman and a game ball to Sam as well," Harbaugh added. "Those six, I thought, had game ball-worthy games."
Pipkins has started 15 of 17 games this season, 14 of which have been at right guard. He was at right tackle in Week 4 against the Chiefs.
Salyer, meanwhile, has three starts in 2024, a pair of which have been at right guard. He was at left tackle in that Chiefs game.
Harbaugh was noncommittal to a starter going forward but said the Chargers have plenty of depth up front.
"I like them both. Trey's played really well, Jamaree's played really well," Harbaugh said. "It's great to have that many offensive linemen that have played well and have been healthy the entire season.
"10 on the roster right now on the 53, that's pretty good, that's awesome," Harbaugh added. "Good problems to have."
5. Offense starting to heat up
There are plenty of stats to show just how good the Bolts offense was on Sunday, most of which can be found here.
Another metric is that the Bolts generated 24.19 Expected Points Added (EPA) in Week 17, their highest total of the season by nearly a full seven points.
Herbert was humming, the run game was churning and the balance was exactly what the Bolts were looking for.
Harbaugh praised the entire unit Monday but said he wants the group to keep striving for me as the postseason approaches.
"I hope there's even more to go," Harbaugh said. "That's another thing we're always trying to do, is be better today than were yesterday and be better tomorrow than we were today.
"People say onward, forward, I'd like to add upward," Harbaugh added. "Onward and upward is what we're striving for."
The Bolts racked up 428 yards in New England, their second-highest total of the season.
The Chargers now rank 14th in EPA per play this season (0.025).
