Deatrich Wise, DL

Rob Gronkowski, TE

Rob Gronkowski – The All-Pro tight end's status coming off his AFC title game concussion was a major storyline early in Super Bowl week. He returned to the practice field on a limited basis during the bye week and is now expected to be on the field on Super Bowl Sunday as a key weapon against the Eagles impressive defense.

Tom Brady – The G.O.A.T. holds virtually every playoff and Super Bowl record for quarterbacks as he looks to secure his sixth ring against Philly's No. 4 overall defense. Brady heads into the big game as hot as he ever has with five touchdowns and no interceptions this postseason in consecutive games with a passer rating above 100.

Patrick Chung – New England's veteran safety was recently called one of the best players in the game by his head coach and an obvious top contributor to his defense. He had some issues early on in the AFC Championship and will need to bounce back as a key defender against Eagles tight end Zach Ertz as well as his usual role as an in-the-box factor against a versatile offense. 

Kyle Van Noy – In little more than a year, and given the loss of past Super Bowl hero Dont'a Hightower, Van Noy has become an invaluable member of the New England front seven. He will be critical in dealing with Philly's effective RPOs (run-pass options), pressuring Nick Foles and slowing the Jay Ajayi-led rushing attack.

Brandin Cooks – Cooks is coming off a big AFC title tilt in which he notched his first-career 100-yard playoff game while also drawing a couple key penalties. The Eagles cornerbacks may be the weakness of the defense that's susceptible down the field, where Cooks makes his money in New England.

Nick Foles – Foles' place in the Super Bowl spotlight is obvious given the banners in Minneapolis with his image across from Tom Brady's. His resume obviously doesn't match up with TB12's as he looks to go from journeyman backup to Super Bowl champion, but he's in the midst of an impressive postseason with 78-percent completions, three touchdowns and no interceptions and a 122.1 passer rating in two victories.