Julian Edelman – Tom Brady has been without his slot option for more than a year. Coming back from last year's torn ACL and a four-game suspension, Edelman should inject his usual energy and production into the New England offense in front of a fired up home crowd on Thursday Night Football.

Patrick Chung – The veteran safety is a huge aspect of the Patriots defensive game plan on any given week. That's even more important this week against the Colts high-volume short passing game led by rookie running back Nyheim Hines.

Sony Michel/James White – The backfield duo is coming off its best game of the season, each guy contributing 112 yards of offense. Michel is more the runner and White the elite passing back. Together they are a major challenge for the Colts defense that's dealing with plenty of injuries on the short week.

Tom Brady – TB12 gets his favorite weapon back with the expected return to action for Julian Edelman. That should inject a new life into the passing attack, but Brady must be on his toes against a Colts pass rush that's notched 17 sacks in just four games.

Dont'a Hightower – The depth at linebacker is being tested with Ja'Whaun Bentley on IR and Elandon Roberts limping around with a calf injury. That puts even more focus on the veteran Hightower as he prepares to defend Indy's short passing game.

Andrew Luck – The former No. 1 overall pick is back and healthy leading the Colts offense while he's No. 2 in the NFL through a month in both attempts and completions. Luck will try to throw the ball all over the Gillette Stadium field against a Patriots pass defense that's had its ups and downs this season.

Darius Leonard – Indy's rookie second-round linebacker has been a revelation. He's all over the field, leading the league with 54 tackles as well as getting to the quarterback for four sacks. Leonard missed practice time to an ankle injury this week, but if he's on the field he must be dealt with.

Adam Vinatieri – Arguably the greatest kicker of all time, the 45-year-old Vinatieri keeps cruising along in his 23rd NFL season. This could be the last time for New England fans to see the future Hall of Fame kicker play in Foxborough, where his legendary career was jumpstarted by his historic kick in the snow against the Raiders, which Bill Belichick says is the greatest kick in football history.

Nyheim Hines – The athletic fourth-round rookie running back leads the Colts with 22 catches through four games, including a pair of touchdowns. He also has a rushing score and is quickly becoming one of the focal points of the Indy offense.

Malik Hooker – Hooker is a second-year former first-round safety who is finally healthy and playing well. He's a key figure in the back end of the defense as the Colts must counter Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon and the evolving Patriots passing attack.