The Los Angeles Chargers will play the New England Patriots in a crucial matchup.

They advance to the playoffs if they win. Here’s how they can guarantee their place:

1. Put an end to the run in both halves.

Given that several Broncos rushing backs dominated the first half, particularly the first quarter, the Chargers didn’t exactly open their game against the Broncos last Thursday with the best start possible.

Running back Javonte Williams had many first downs throughout the drive, including a 15-yard run, while Broncos running back Audric Estime scored his first career touchdown on the team’s opening drive of the game.

Blake Watson, a running back with the Broncos, also contributed to the drive with a first down.

Then, in the second quarter, safety Derwin James Jr. stopped Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. before he could reach the end zone after a dazzling 53-yard run.

Although it was looking bad for a while, the Chargers’ run defense undoubtedly improved in the second half.

Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson top the Patriots in running yards, and the squad is ranked 14th in rushing offense by Fox Sports.

Both of these players should be kept under check even though they aren’t enjoying the same career years as previous seasons.

James played well in this final game, but he had trouble taking down Estime, who was spinning away from him despite James’s arms being around his legs.

Junior Colson, a rookie linebacker, was also unable to fully contain Estime on a tackle. To prevent Stevenson and Gibson from having their greatest games of the season, the run defense must be precise in every quarter.

2. Keep depending on Justin Herbert, the quarterback

Justin Herbert is one of the reasons the Chargers continue to entice me back in spite of their losing ways.

Because he’s just so on when he’s on. Herbert had some fantastic play in the second half, including an 18-yard scramble, and a stunning roll out to the left in the fourth quarter, where he was under so much pressure that it appeared he was throwing it away, but he managed to get it to wide receiver Derius Davis for a touchdown despite the interception on Thursday night.

He rushed out to the left once more and threw to tight end Stone Smartt, who made the reception and gained a few yards after the catch, which was another spectacular moment.

Keion White, the Patriots’ second-year defensive end, is having a career-high season with six sacks, making him an exciting player to watch.

The Patriots are ranked 16th in passing defense.

The Chargers will have a successful day if Herbert can maintain this level of performance and the offensive line holds.

3. Boost the Pass Rush

The Chargers should increase their pass rush now as the Patriots are currently the worst passing offense.

In addition to the Broncos run game being on fire, Nix was given too much leeway in terms of scrambling and completions throughout the first half of Thursday’s game.

Retaining him and preventing him from connecting with his offensive heavy hitters, such as tight end Hunter Henry or wide receiver Demario Douglas, will be essential since, like Nix, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has the third-highest number of rushing yards on the team.

4. Don’t Undervalue Derius Davis and Joshua Palmer, Wide Receivers

Ladd McConkey, a wide receiver, has been a fantastic addition to the Chargers.

The club looks to the player with the most yards after catch (332) whenever the offense needs a boost. Although McConkey is excellent, the Chargers should continue to use wide receivers Palmer and Davis.

Davis scored the game-winning touchdown catch this past game and gives this offense (and special teams) a burst of pace.

Palmer, who will never forget Thursday’s two-point convert, bobbled the ball to himself after he grabbed one hand on it as it sailed to the back of the end zone after being tipped, then kept control by dragging his foot to keep both feet in.

Palmer is that tried-and-true choice, even though McConkey has the numbers this season.

Players like Palmer and, ideally, Davis, if he receives more offensive snaps, are free to play. The Patriots do have some dangerous coverage players, such as cornerback Christian Gonzalez, so McConkey and wide receiver Quentin Johnston may be the team’s first targets.

5. Continue switching around the running backs to spice up the running and offense.

This season, the Chargers’ running game hasn’t been very reliable, but Thursday was one of their best runs.

In addition to his game-winning 43-yard rush in the fourth quarter, running back Gus Edwards scored another touchdown in the most recent game.

Kimani Vidal cut up the left side and reached the 35 on another fantastic run.

Every time Vidal is in, he infuses our running game with energy.

Hassan Haskins, however, was the true running hero of this game.

He caught a shovel ball and raced it into the end zone to give the Chargers the victory.

For this run game to succeed, blocking must be precise, but switching around the running backs also benefited them in the previous game, just as it did for the Broncos in the first half.

In order to truly help this run game take off, I hope to see more featured backs on Saturday in addition to excellent run blocking.

Although Edwards is not playing in this game, J.K. Dobbins has been activated from the injured reserve and is anticipated to start against the Patriots.