Tom Brady – The G.O.A.T. has been at the center of a storm in New England of late, but has proclaimed via social media that he actually is the storm. Brady has had plenty of success against Dick LeBeau-led defenses in the past and there is no reason to expect anything different against Tennessee's 25th-ranked pass defense, especially with new-found good health among his weapons.

Kyle Van Noy – New England's veteran linebacker is probably the most versatile, athletic player on the front seven. After battling a calf injury late in the regular season, Van Noy should be good to go to help deal with the read-option issues that the Derrick Henry/Marcus Mariota combination presents.

Rob Gronkowski – Dwayne Allen described the Tom Brady-to-Rob Gronkowski ending in Pittsburgh as the G.O.A.T.-to-G.O.A.T. offense. That connection should be clicking once again, even if the matchup with All-Pro safety Kevin Byard is intriguing. Gronkowski sounded quite happy to be back playing in the postseason and a happy Gronk is a productive Gronk.

Patrick Chung – New England's physical safety should be key in a number of areas against the Titans. He'll be a factor dealing with the running game, both in terms of running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Marcus Mariota's keepers. Chung will also be a big part of dealing with Tennessee tight end Delanie Walker, who led the Titans with 74 catches during the regular season.

James White/Chris Hogan – The two veteran targets were banged up or out of the lineup altogether late in the season as Tom Brady's stats took a dip. But the two trusted playmakers should be back in the mix to add depth to the passing attack against the Titans.

Marcus Mariota – Tennessee's third-year quarterback didn't have a great season, throwing 15 interceptions and notching a passer rating of just 79.3. He clearly made plays, though, in the comeback win over the Chiefs and will have to do that and then some if the Titans are to pull off the upset in New England.

Kevin Byard – The second-year safety earned All-Pro honors by tying for the league lead with eight interceptions. He'll be in the middle of the pass defense that likely will need to frustrate Tom Brady and turn the ball over to help key an upset.

Derrick Henry – The 250-pound running back led the Titans with 744 yards during the regular season and helped carry the comeback with 156 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown, in last weekend's win in Kansas City. With DeMarco Murray out of the mix once again, Henry will be trying to carry the offense against a Patriots run defense that struggled most of the season. 

Jurrell Casey – The big defensive lineman is a load in the middle of a unit that notched the No. 4 rush defense in the NFL. Casey can also be disruptive in the passing game, including his six sacks in the regular season. Casey is a major challenge for the interior of the Patriots offensive line.

Rishard Matthews – The former Dolphins receiver was third on the Titans with 53 catches during the regular season, but led the team with a 15.0-yard average, including a 75-yard touchdown. While Tennessee may try to control the game on the ground, at some point the Titans will need some big plays in the passing game and Matthews might be the best option to make that happen.