Cam Newton, QB: Coming off a down performance against the Cardinals, one that still resulted in a win, Newton continues to be the pivotal player for the Patriots offense. With five games left, can he help the Patriots offense put all their positives together for a stretch run? The 2020 Patriots fate is still most directly tied to Newton.

Kyle Dugger, DB: Dugger continues to make weekly strides, jumping from a small college to the highest level and looking like he fit from the get-go. Dugger's development will be something to watch as he comes down to the final quarter of the season and he figures to play another significant role against the Chargers' potent weaponry.

Damien Harris, RB: After a career-high 121 rushing yards against the Ravens, Harris has been held under 50 yards the last two weeks as defenses have begun to key off of him. Getting Harris going is a big key for the Patriots offense, but that could depend on passing on the stacked boxes the Chargers are sure to throw at them. Or can Harris and his blockers show they can run even when defenses are expecting it?

Stephon Gilmore, CB: After a start that garnered some negative attention, Gilmore has quietly returned to his shutdown ways, holding DeAndre Hopkins mostly in check in a competitive battle last week. Now, Gilmore is expected to take on Keenan Allen, a receiver he's faced before and one who is a vital component to the Chargers passing attack. It will be a key matchup.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers now leads the team with 36 catches, and while he's been quieter since his 12 catch performance against the Jets, he's continued to find a way to contribute with 13 catches over the last three games, many in key situations. Meyers' continued growth is something to watch in the final month of the season, as he looks to carve out a long-term role with the Patriots.

Justin Herbert, QB: Despite the Chargers record, the rookie quarterback has had an excellent first season, throwing 23 touchdowns to seven interceptions and completing 66.9 percent of his passes. Herbert has good size and athleticism for the position and is another one of the next-generation quarterbacks who can do it all.

Austin Ekeler, RB: Ekeler returned last week against the Bills after missing eight weeks with a hamstring injury and was thrust back into his balanced role with 14 carries and 11 catches for 129 total yards of offense. Ekeler should provide Herbert with a reliable safety valve as his role in the offense was impossible to fill in his absence. He'll be heavily involved and the Patriots must have a plan on every down for him.

Keenan Allen, WR: With 85 catches, Allen is far and away the Chargers most productive receiver, nearly doubling the output of tight end Hunter Henry, who has 48 catches. The savvy route runner could find himself lined up against Stephon Gilmore for the majority of snaps. If Gilmore can take away Allen, Herbert will be forced to rely on his secondary targets.

Joey Bosa, DE: With 7.5 sacks, Bosa is once again having an excellent season when it comes to getting after quarterbacks. With the Patriots battling injuries at the tackle spot, it will put a big focus on rookie Michael Onwenu as well as last week's left tackle rotation of Jermaine Eluemunor and Justin Herron. The Chargers will likely send multiple blitzers to attack the Patriots offense, but none is more capable of wrecking the gameplan that Bosa.

Rayshawn Jenkins, S: After a breakout 2019 that saw Jenkins emerge as an every-down player, he has continued to ascend in 2020, leading the team in tackles while also picking up a sack and interception. Jenkins will play all over the formation and will be a key piece in countering Cam Newton's scrambles.