Sony Michel – The rookie running back notched his fourth 100-yard effort a week ago to pace the Patriots dominant rushing attack against Buffalo. The first-round pick has become one of the key cogs of the Patriots offense as it heads toward the postseason and will try to keep things rolling -- and reach 1,000 yards for the season -- against the Jets 26th-ranked run defense.

J.C. Jackson – The undrafted rookie – dubbed "Just Cover" this summer by PFW – has become one of the important contributors in the Patriots pass defense. Stephon Gilmore is the unquestioned No. 1 Pro Bowl corner, but Jackson's ascension in the back end balances out a secondary that's pushed the Patriots to third in the league in interceptions heading into a battle with a pick-prone rookie quarterback.

Chris Hogan – New England's veteran receiver is heading toward free agency and a postseason in which he might be asked to fill the void left by Josh Gordon's suspension. Strangely, though, Hogan was not targeted last weekend, recorded zero catches in two of the last three games and hasn't had more than two receptions in a game since Week 7.

Trey Flowers – There is little question that Flowers is the Patriots best defensive lineman and most effective pass rusher. For the second week in a row he and the rest of the front must deal with a rookie quarterback capable of making plays with his legs. Once again, controlled pass rush is key for Flowers and Co.

Tom Brady – The G.O.A.T. hasn't exactly been shredding opposing defenses, including season lows in attempts, completions, yards and passer rating in Sunday's win over the Bills. The success of the Patriots passing attack isn't solely on Brady, but the veteran does need to do a better job of standing in the pocket, finding the open man and delivering an accurate throw if the aerial game is going to take off this week and beyond.

Sam Darnold – The Jets first-round rookie quarterback missed the first meeting between the teams but has returned from injury a different player. Though he's tied for the NFL lead with 15 interceptions, Darnold hasn't thrown a pick in the last two games while recording a passer rating of 100 or better each week. Darnold can make plays with his legs, but it's his improving accuracy and decision making that's making him more dangerous of late.

Avery Williamson – In his first season in New York, the veteran addition Williamson has done it all in the middle of the Jets defense. The inside linebacker not only leads the team with 115 tackles in 15 starts, but has added three sacks, four QB hits, an interception, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Robby Anderson – New York's leading receiver – 47 catches for 728 yards (15.5 avg.) with six touchdowns – has been on fire in recent weeks. Anderson has found the end zone in three straight games, catching 20 passes for 312 yards, including a season-best 140 yards in last Sunday's shootout with the Packers. Anderson and Sam Darnold are clicking down the stretch.

Jamal Adams – New York's second-year safety earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl this season thanks to his versatile, varied contributions in the back end. Adams, who can line up all over the field, has 104 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Chris Herndon – Back in Week 12 in New York the fourth-round rookie Herndon led the Jets with seven catches for 57 yards against a New England pass defense that's seemingly always had issues with opposing tight ends. Now tied for second on the Jets with 38 receptions, Herndon is also coming off a productive game against Green Bay in which he caught six of seven balls thrown his way for 82 yards, including a touchdown.