Mac Jones, QB: The rookie's development continues to be must-watch every week, with Jones leading the first fourth-quarter comeback win of his young career against the Texans. Jones continues to show pocket poise and toughness and his progress has been notable. There are still some roads left conquer, with the red zone offense starting to show some signs of life. It's all about putting up points for Mac and the Pats offense and they'll need their best output of the season against Dallas.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB: Stevenson got back in the lineup against the Texans but coach Ivan Fears thought he was a little tentative early before cutting it loose later. Now, with a mistake-free game under his belt, Stevenson is a major x-factor for the Patriots offense as Damien Harris could be limited by injuries sustained in Houston. The rookie had surprising balance in the preseason and could bring a new twist to the attack if he can break loose.

Hunter Henry, TE: Henry is starting to emerge as a favorite target of Mac Jones with 10 catches and two touchdowns in the last two games. Most impressive is how Jones is looking for Henry in the two biggest areas – red zone and third down. Continuing to get Henry the ball in big spots will be a big key moving forward and Josh McDaniels will be doing his best to complement Henry's performance with Jonnu Smith. Getting both tight ends fully involved would be a major next step.

Matthew Judon, OLB: Judon is tied for second in the NFL with 9.5 sacks as he's been a pass rushing terror through five games and can hopefully keep it up because with the offenses on tap for the Patriots, they're really going to need his high-level play to continue. Judon and his red sleeves are quickly becoming local favorites as he's assimilated perfectly in New England and brings a fresh dose of toughness and attitude.

J.C. Jackson, CB: Whether he's on Amari Cooper or CeeDee Lamb, Jackson is going to be facing one of his biggest challenges of the season this weekend. Coming off a down performance against Brandin Cooks and the Texans, the Patriots will need a huge bounce-back effort from Jackson. With injuries adding up in the secondary, the defense must be able to count on Jackson to at least make things tough on one of Dallas' elite receivers.

Dak Prescott, QB: Simply put, Prescott is playing some of the best football of his career and is off to an MVP pace coming off a major lower leg injury that ended his 2020 season. He has a bevy of weapons at receiver, tight end and running back and can make the Patriots defense pay for any mistakes. Against New England in 2019, Prescott had his worst game of the season in rainy conditions, throwing two interceptions and completing just 19-of-33 passes. He'll be looking to make a statement this time around.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB: Ellliott has put up 452 yards and five rushing touchdowns through five games, as the bulldozing back will test New England's re-made run defense like it has yet to be tested. Tony Pollard is nearly as dangerous, as Dallas has two backs that can produce explosive plays. If the Patriots try to make Dallas run-centric, the Cowboys still have the firepower to make it work.

Amari Cooper, WR: Cooper has 25 catches and four receiving touchdowns this season as a key part of the Dallas passing attack that can strike from anywhere on the field. It's a bit of pick your poison between Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, but Cooper's experience is a big factor as well. J.C. Jackson will be studying what Stephon Gilmore did in 2019, holding Cooper to no catches on two targets.

Micah Parsons, LB: The rookie linebacker from Penn State was a popular early mock draft pick of the Patriots before the Cowboys grabbed him 12th overall. Parsons has more than lived up to expectations, playing all over the defense and recording 10 QB hits and 2.5 sacks. Whether it's a pass or a run, Parsons will be a problem that needs to be dealt with on every down.

Trevon Diggs, CB: The NFL leader in interceptions (6), Diggs is off to a white-hot start for the Cowboys in his second season. He has at least one pick in each of the first five games, including two against Carolina. For a team like the Patriots that has had too many giveaways this season, there's a flashing red arrow pointing at Diggs on every play. Mac Jones must be always aware of him.