Chargers (4-7) at Patriots (2-9)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

TV: CBS

Spread (BetMGM):

Chargers by 6

Chargers’ keys to victory: Los Angeles’ struggling defense is a weekly headache for head coach Brandon Staley, but the one thing the Chargers have done well is rush the passer. That concern alone is enough to make the Patriots’ hobbled offensive line cry uncle. With LB Joey Bosa on injured reserve, DE Morgan Fox will have to step up as the No. 2 sack threat behind LB Khalil Mack. Meanwhile, QB Justin Herbert must take advantage of the downfield passing opportunities that will surely come against the Patriots banged-up secondary.

Patriots’ keys to victory: Regardless of who is quarterback, the Patriots can mitigate the Chargers pass rush by running the ball effectively and utilizing screen plays. The combination of those two things worked to great effect against the New York Giants in Week 12. On defense, it’s going to come down to guys like DE Keion White and DT Christian Barmore creating enough havoc up front to make Herbert uncomfortable.

Matchup to watch: Chargers LB Khalil Mack vs. Patriots OT Conor McDermott. Trent Brown clearly isn’t 100%, and the Patriots rotated him in and out of the lineup with McDermott last week. Pass protection has been an issue for the Patriots all season, and that will continue to be the case if McDermott is matched up with the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Who wins? The Chargers have one of the worst passing defenses in the league, but the Patriots aren’t built to take advantage of it.

Chargers, 30-9