Now, it’s Jerod Mayo as the Patriots’ head coach with rookie Drake Maye at quarterback facing Justin Herbert and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. Kick-off is at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The Patriots are hoping to play spoiler against the Chargers on Saturday, as they look to close out a disappointing 2024 season on a couple of high notes.

Long out of playoff contention, the Patriots have three things to play for Saturday against the Chargers: spoiler, personal pride and fact-finding. The Chargers have yet to clinch a playoff berth, so the Patriots could stand in their way,

With only two games left on their schedule, the New England Patriots are in the home stretch of the 2024 season. The first of those contests will see the 3-12 team play hosts to a 9-6 Los Angeles Chargers squad on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs.

The Chargers take on the Patriots on Saturday in Week 17. Here's the latest on whether RB J.K. Dobbins will be available for Los Angeles.