Rob Ninkovich

LeGarrette Blount

Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski

Kirk Cousins, QB - The Washington QB drew plenty of attention for his postgame antics in the recent comeback over the Bucs. His play on the field, though, hasn't been worth much attention. Cousins averages just 6.48 yards per attempt and simply hasn't been able to make any plays for his offense. Can he change that with Desean Jackson back against a still-suspect Patriots secondary?

Jordan Reed, TE - Washington's tight end has been the team's most productive weapon when healthy this fall. He's Kirk Cousins' favorite target and will challenge the middle of the secondary against New England.

LeGarrette Blount, RB - Washington is 30th in run defe3nse, allowing 4.9 yards per carry. Blount should get his chances to balance out the offense – or at least run the clock out on a victory. Either way, the big back should get his in this lopsided matchup.

Tom Brady, QB - Another week and another suspect pass defense the New England quarterback should have his way with. Brady is putting together another elite season and the Redskins are the next victim on the docket.

Malcolm Butler, CB - New England's now-No. 1 corner got a chance to face Desean Jackson in joint practices last summer in Washington. Now, the big play receiver returns to action as maybe Washington's only real chance for an upset on Sunday. Butler will need to up his game after a couple suspect weeks in this potential battle with the dangerous Jackson.

Rob Gronkowski, TE - The All-Pro tight end is the best in the game today and the centerpiece around which the Patriots offense exists. Gronkowski will either get his production or make it easier for others to get theirs. That's just the way it is.

DeSean Jackson, WR - The former Eagle led the NFL with 20.9 yards per catch last fall in his first season in Washington. But he's been out since Week 1 with a hamstring injury, leaving the Redskins with an impotent passing attack. Jackson is the visitor's only real chance to make this a game and Bill Belichick called him a "big threat" that New England must account for.

Chandler Jones, DE - Jones is currently tied with J.J. Watt for the NFL lead with 8.5 sacks. Washington tackle Trent Williams says the Patriots pass rusher has shown great improvement this year. The Redskins, though, don't give up many sacks, so Jones has his work cut out for him in this battle with one of the better tackles in the game today.

Terrance Knighton, DL - The Redskins underwhelming defense does include the experienced veteran Knighton. New England continues to deal with injuries and lineup changes on the line, so the guys in front of Tom Brady and LeGarrette Blount must prove each week that they have their assignments in order against the likes of Knighton and the rest of the Washington front. 

Alfred Morris/Matt Jones, RB - Washington wants to run the ball and stay balanced on offense. Too bad they don't have much success on the ground. Morris had a 100-yard effort in Week 1. Jones hit for 100 yards in Week 2. Neither has done much since, so the Patriots burgeoning run defense may have another impressive week in the making.