When they began to survey the roster and all that went haywire before their arrival, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter decided the team’s defense could be and should be upgraded for the 2024 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers can wrap up a playoff spot for the second time in three seasons with a victory when they visit the New England Patriots.

After Week 16, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings: “It took a 48-year stretch, but the Bolts have now converted the NFL’s last two successful fair catch kicks. Bummer that Bill Belichick, who enjoys an arcane football rule as much as anyone, won’t be on the sideline at Foxborough on Saturday when the Chargers visit.”