Colin Kaepernick, QB - Though he's no longer considered a franchise quarterback, Kaepernick is back running the 49ers offense. He's still inaccurate and more dangerous as a runner, which is why the Patriots oft-criticized pass rush will once again need to play smart, controlled football up front.

Tom Brady, QB - New England's quarterback and former Bay Area boy has never played a game in San Francisco against the team he grew up rooting for. Brady will change that Sunday against a bad 49ers defense as the Patriots passer looks to bounce back from his first interception of the season and first game without a touchdown pass in Sunday night's loss to the Seahawks.

Glenn Dorsey, DT - The 49ers historically-bad run defense - a unit that allows 180 yards per game on the ground, including three games allowing more than 248 yards rushing - had its best effort last week against David Johnson and the Cardinals. Bill Belichick attributed some of that to Dorsey's return to the lineup. True or not, Dorsey and the 49ers front better be ready for a healthy dose of LeGarrette Blount. 

Eric Reid, S - The San Francisco safety is a big part of the 49ers defense in the middle of the field. Reid will play a role trying to stop the likes of Martellus Bennett and Julian Edelman for a unit that actually ranks middle-of-the-pack in pass defense.

Julian Edelman, WR - Tom Brady isn't the only Patriots player who'll enjoy a homecoming game on Sunday. Edelman is also excited for the trip to San Francisco and the New England receptions-leader is coming off his most productive game of the season. He'll be jazzed up to keep the momentum going on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.

Trey Flowers, DE - The Patriots pass rush has been a major talking point - AKA area of criticism - in recent weeks. The second-year defensive end Flowers has been a bright spot, though, with the young player tallying two sacks in each of the last two games. 

Martellus Bennett, TE - With Rob Gronkowski missing practice all week to a chest injury, New England's other Pro Bowl tight end could be a major key to the passing attack. Bennett is coming off his third 100-yard game of the season and appears to be on the upswing in terms of his ankle injury. He could be in for another big week in the Bay Area.

Carlos Hyde, RB - San Francisco's lead back has been dealing with a shoulder injury. He averaged just 1.1 yards per carry in last week's loss to Arizona after missing the previous two games. If the 49ers are to have a chance at the upset Hyde needs to give his team enough production to balance out the offense.

Jeremy Kerley, WR - The Patriots pass defense allowed the Seahawks receivers to run free all night last Sunday. Kerley is San Francisco's top pass-catcher with 40 receptions on the year. Keeping Kerley and underwhelming deep threat Torrey Smith in check is the first step for a New Engalnd pass defense trying to put forth a bounceback performance. 

Devin McCourty, S - Leadership and playmaking have been questioned regarding the Patriots defense. The Pro Bowl safety McCourty said that the group simply needs to start playing better football. New England should have chances to do just that against a turnover-prone 49ers team that puts forth an offense that ranks No. 29 in the NFL.