Cam Newton, QB: Newton looked poised to lead the Patriots to at least overtime last week against the Bills, but with the first giveaway of the contest, the game came to a quick and anticlimactic end. Newton and the offense made strides and now against the Jets, he'll look to take the next step and get back in the win column. The Patriots fortunes for the rest of the season rest heavily on Newton's shoulders.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers has emerged as a trusted target of Newton's in the last two weeks after injuries hit, coming up with 10 catches after picking up just one in his first three games of the season. Will he now draw more attention from the Jets or can he continue to develop for a passing offense that really needs him? If the Patriots are to exploit a suspect Jets pass defense, Meyers will be a key.

Damien Harris, RB: Harris scored his first touchdown against the Bills on an impressive and well-executed 22-yard scamper. The second-year running back earned praise from Josh McDaniels for his hard-charging style and responsible play, which should earn him a role that continues to grow. He'll be a key piece against a fairly-stout Jets front.

Josh Uche, LB: Uche saw his first action of the season against the Bills and showed some glimpses of his impressive speed and burst, tackling Josh Allen in open space and forcing a hurry on two notable moments. The Patriots are shorthanded at linebacker right now and it could present an opportunity for Uche to emerge in the second half of the season. He has the skillset they need, is he ready?

Chase Winovich, Edge: After a great start to the season, Winovich has seen declining action over the last three weeks. Can Winovich return to a three-down role or at least start impacting games on passing downs again? The defense has missed his playmaking, though their ability to get to third down has played a factor in his reduction in snaps, so better overall team defense could translate to more Winovich.

Sam Darnold, QB: It has been another tough season for Darnold and the Jets offense. The still-promising quarterback hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week 3 and has been sacked 21 times in six games. He'll have a tough matchup against the Patriots secondary, but should see an opportunity to beat the two-win Patriots to break the Jets winless start.

Frank Gore, RB: Now in his 16th season, Gore has completed his three-year tour of the AFC East after spending 2018 with Miami, 2019 with Buffalo and now landing with the Jets. With the Patriots recent run defense struggles, the Jets figure to use a heavy dose of the veteran. For his career Gore is 2-5 vs. the Patriots all-time and has broken 100 yards just once, with the Bills in Week 4 last season.

La'Mical Perine, RB: The rookie 4th-round pick might be even more dangerous than Gore to the Patriots defense. Perine has seen increased action the last three games with 26 carries and eight targets in the passing game as his role continues to expand. The Jets should look to use him in similar ways that the 49ers and Bills had success with their backs.

Braxton Berrios, WR: The Jets could welcome back top receiver Jamison Crowder this week, but if he can't go it will leave this former Patriot as the most-targeted receiver on the Jets roster. Berrios has 23 catches and two touchdowns this season, working primarily from the slot. The Patriots could look to match Jonathan Jones up on Berrios, who must be accounted for on third downs.

Quinnen Williams, DL: The Jets defense will have to deal with the Patriots running game and Williams should be in the thick of it. The second-year defender leads the team with three sacks and is a disruptive force in the middle of their defense. If the Patriots are to get their offense going, they'll have to get through Williams to do it.