Sony Michel – While the offensive line will probably be even more important than the specific runner, the Patriots rookie back may be leaned on against the Chargers and their dime schemes on defense. Michel has had ups and downs throughout his debut season, but a big day against L.A. might help make his first year a resounding success.

Stephon Gilmore – New England's All-Pro No. 1 cornerback may or may not be matched up with Chargers No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen. Either way, the Patriots pass defense is clearly at its best when Gilmore is playing at an elite level to take away whoever he's covering.

Tom Brady – Let's not overthink things. The Patriots offense and postseason future probably rides on Brady's performance. He faces a strong challenge from a Chargers defense that has high-end, versatile playmakers in both pass rush and coverage.

Trey Flowers – The Patriots can't just sit back and let Philip Rivers get comfortable in the pocket. Flowers is well established as New England's best front seven player. As such, he'll be leaned on to get after the passer and help keep L.A.'s ground game under control.

Julian Edelman – Tom Brady may need to turn to his go-to guys against the balanced Chargers pass defense and few have made more plays for the G.O.A.T. over the years than Edelman. New England's veteran slot receiver will have to earn his keep, though, going against L.A. All-Pro slot cornerback Desmond King.

Philip Rivers – The Chargers 37-year-old quarterback has always been among the top handful of passers in the game, but to this point has never been able to get over the Super Bowl hump. His chances may be running out and it's hard to imagine the visitors pulling off the upset without Rivers making some key throws.

Melvin Ingram – Los Angeles' top pass rusher is coming off a two-sack game to help stifle the Ravens on Wild Card Weekend. Ingram moves around the front looking for mismatches, at times even lining up next to dangerous teammate Joey Bosa. New England's offensive line needs to find and then block Ingram.

Melvin Gordon – The second of the Chargers two key Melvins, the dangerous running back is dealing with knee injuries that kept him out of practice early in the week. Still, L.A. probably needs to get its leading rusher going (although backup Austin Ekeler has had his own success this season) to put together a productive day on offense, especially in terms of finishing drives in the red zone.

Derwin James – The rookie first-round pick is an All-Pro jack-of-all-trades defensive back. He moves all over the formation, contributing in coverage, as a pass rusher and against the run. Tom Brady and Co. must be well aware of the athletic James' location before every snap.

Keenan Allen – Allen is by far the Chargers No. 1 target, hauling in 97 passes for 1,196 yards with six touchdowns during the regular season, nearly double the production of second-most-frequent target Melvin Gordon. Whether he's matched up with Stephon Gilmore or gets New England's secondary coverage options, Philip Rivers will clearly be counting on Allen to make plays.