Kickoff: The Patriots will be playing at Gillette Stadium for the first time in a month when they host the Los Angeles Chargers today. New England is coming off of an ugly loss 10-7 loss to the Giants last week. The Chargers lost a tough one, 20-10 last Sunday night at home to the Ravens. 

Here are four keys to the game for the Patriots.

1. Keep it simple for Zappe: With Bailey Zappe getting the start today, the Patriots need to simplify things and play to his strengths. Get the hall out quick. Throw three step, perimeter screens and play action. The Chargers are 32nd in the league against the pass so Bill O’Brien plays his cards right, the Patriots should have done success in the passing game.

2. Have a Malik package: The Patriots elevated Cunningham for this game so they should have a package in place for him today. The season is over. It is time to see if Cunningham can fit into the Patriots future plans. The best way to do that is to play him. O’Brien cannot do what he did against the Raiders and play him for a couple of snaps. We need to see more Malik today.

3. Get interior pressure on Herbert: The Patriots must get consistent inside pressure on Herbert. They need to throw him off his spot and force him outside the pocket. If they can put him on the run today and throw off the timing of their passing game, it would greatly improve their chances of getting stops. It is easier said than done. Chargers average 243.5 per game passing.

4. Bracket Allen in certain situations: Herbert to Allen is one of the most lethal connections in the NFL. The Patriots need to limit Allen’s effectiveness today and one of the ways to do it is to double or bracket Allen in certain parts of the field. The Patriots cannot allow him to get free releases and run around down field, making plays. Force to Herbert to look elsewhere. 

Extra Point: New England leads the regular season series 24-14-2. The teams have met four times in the postseason with the Patriots holding a 3-1 edge.

Final Drive: The weather will be a factor today and that should help the Patriots. If they can find a way to run the football and make plays in the passing game and get off the field in third down, they should be in good shape. This is a winnable game today if they execute.