Matt LaCosse, TE: LaCosse played a season-high 73 snaps against the Redskins and helped spark a resurgent run game in the second half. There's still improvements to be made in the passing game but LaCosse appears to finally be on track after an early-summer ankle injury. He's an x-factor.

James White, RB: After seeing what Dalvin Cook and the Vikings did to the Giants defense, it's a good bet that White is going to factor heavily into the Patriots attack, especially on a short week. White was a catalyst for the offense last weekend, a versatile threat who Brady trusts to make big plays. He'll get carries, screen passes and downfield receptions.

Dont'a Hightower, LB: Hightower must've been extra fired up after missing a week and seeing the defense not miss a beat. He looks as good as he's ever looked in his Patriots career as he was the biggest defensive standout against the Redskins. All the linebackers are playing great football right now and Hightower looks like he's hit a new level this season, one that he usually reserves only for Super Bowls.

Josh Gordon, WR: Gordon looked resurgent last weekend against the Redskins, catching the ball and making plays that looked far more comfortable than he looked in recent weeks. Perhaps Gordon is still getting up to speed, because if he builds on his performance in Washington he should start making more explosive plays down the field.

Adam Butler, DL: Yes, the whole defense is playing really well but Butler is the most versatile piece on the defensive line, a surprising and exciting development for the third-year player. Butler can hold his ground in the run game or get upfield and cause disruption in the passing game. He's doing it all right now and each week seems to get better than the last for the biggest surprise of the season.

Daniel Jones, QB: Since taking over for Eli Manning, the rookie sixth-overall pick has gone 2-1, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions. He took four sacks in his first loss this past weekend to the Vikings to go with a season low 55.3 completion rate. Jones has done some good things but will face his toughest test of the season against the Patriots defense.

Jonathan Hilliman, RB: With Saquon Barkley (ankle) and his backup Wayne Gallman (concussion) both fighting injuries, the undrafted rookie Hilliman could be the primary ball carrier against the Pats. He had nine carries for 20 yards against the Vikings and it will only get harder to find his way through the Patriots defensive front.

Golden Tate, WR: Tate was quiet in his first game back after a four-game suspension to start the season, but with leading receivers Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram likely to miss Thursday's game, the Giants will need Tate to be a major offensive focus if they're to move the ball at all.

Dexter Lawrence, DL: The rookie 17th-overall pick is a massive force along the defensive line for the Giants, the kind of ideal space eater with length that can dominate an ill-prepared offensive line. The Patriots have had their challenges along the line this year and dealing with Lawrence will be a major point of emphasis.

Markus Golden, LB: With 4.5 sacks Golden has been the most disruptive member of the Giants front seven that also features rookie first-rounder Dexter Lawrence. The Giants were gashed by the Vikings run game and they'll need Golden to attack a Patriots offensive line that has shown some inconsistency this season.