Tom Brady, QB: With Josh Gordon potentially out, Brady's work will only get harder as he's forced to lean on secondary targets like Phillip Dorsett (who has been battling a hamstring injury) and Jakobi Meyers. Brady continues to put the team in good position despite the offensive ups and downs through the first six weeks. He's had his struggles over the years on the road against the Jets and this game could require one of Brady's best performances of the season.

Julian Edelman, WR: Edelman is playing as well as he's ever played and the Patriots are lucky for it. He already has 38 catches for 449 yards and is on pace for one his most productive seasons despite fighting through a rib injury suffered in the first matchup against the Jets. Edelman will be a focal point for the Jets defense. After Brady there isn't a more critical player on the roster.

Adam Butler, DL: With no Michael Bennett, Butler's role will only increase. At 50 percent of the defensive snaps, Butler is playing more than any other defensive lineman on the roster. It's a testament to his improvement this year and most importantly, his ability to be effective in a variety of roles. He's constantly disruptive and is setting the tone for the linebackers behind him to make plays.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers is the only one of the top four receivers not currently battling an injury and if Josh Gordon can't go, his role will be magnified like it was last week when he had a career-high of four catches for 54 yards. Meyers' continued development is really important to the Patriots this season. If he can become a trusted target by the playoffs, he'll give a thin position group some needed depth.

Ben Watson, TE: Watson returned to the team this week and should step right into things with Matt LaCosse out with a knee injury. How much Watson plays and how much he can contribute are big questions, but there's no question how badly the offense could use improved blocking and route running from the tight end spot. Watson has the chance to transform the offense into something new and more effective than what we've seen in recent weeks.

Sam Darnold, QB: The second-year quarterback returned last weekend and looked sharp, leading the Jets to their first win of the season over the Cowboys while throwing for 338 yards with two touchdowns. The Jets are a different team with their franchise quarterback under center and he might just be the best quarterback the Patriots have seen since the season opener. He'll be looking for a statement win, but will have a large task going against a historic defense.

Le'Veon Bell, RB: Bell was quiet last week in Darnold's return, but he's still a key player, especially due to his dual threat ability. The Jets should target Bell underneath to keep the Patriots vaunted linebackers in coverage mode rather than attack mode. There's no more efficient route to a Jets win than to get Bell going on the ground and through the air.

Robby Anderson, WR: The speedy wide out grabbed a 92-yard touchdown last week against the Cowboys and will be the deep target Darnold looks to. The Patriots passing defense hasn't surrendered much this season, but a balanced attack would benefit greatly from Anderson's speed to take the top off. He should see plenty of Stephon Gilmore.

Jamison Crowder, WR: Crowder is tied for the team lead with 28 catches and is Darnold's slot safety blanket. In two games with Darnold this season, Crowder has 26 targets and will be a key matchup piece for the Patriots to focus on. Like Edelman, Crowder is the one who keeps the offense on time.

Jamal Adams, S: The Jets defense is led by their two versatile safeties, Adams and Marcus Maye, who are interchangeable and equally involved. Adams leads the team with four pass breakups and returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown. He's the key for their defense and his effectiveness in the middle of the field could be a severe detriment to what the Patriots want to do with Julian Edelman.