Here are five keys to victory for the Patriots in the Week 17 matchup: This is a copycat league and teams will always mimic what they see on tape if it helps them win games. The Patriots haven’t been able to stop the run, and they’re even more vulnerable now with star defensive tackle Christian Barmore out.

On Thursday, Gus Edwards was ruled out for the game due to an ankle injury that was aggravated in the team's win over the Denver Broncos. The Chargers did open the window for J.K. Dobbins to return from injured reserve but he is still listed as questionable for the game, though he was a full participant in practice on Thursday.

Dugger missed two practiced this week with quad and ankle injuries. Fellow safety Jabrill Peppers, who missed last weekend’s game at Buffalo, is also questionable with a hamstring injury. The other starters are inside linebacker Jahlani Tavai, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and center Ben Brown.