Cam Newton, QB: Newton's struggles over the last two weeks have been well-documented and he has taken responsibility like the team leader that he is. Now, Newton and the Patriots backs are against the wall and there are very few routes to victory in Buffalo that don't involve a resurgence from Newton. He's New England's most important player and the season outlook rests heavily on his shoulders.

Stephon Gilmore, CB: Gilmore should see plenty of Stephon Diggs this weekend, one of the more challenging matchups of the season for the former Bill. Diggs has made an instant impact and a big step to slowing down the Buffalo offense will be to take him away as much as possible. Gilmore has a chance to make a needed statement and could give the Patriots chances a huge boost if he can erase Diggs.

Chase Winovich, Edge: One of the Patriots best defenders through the early part of the season, Winovich has been put back into a pass-rushing role in recent weeks. The team has missed his impact after Winovich had six QB hits and 2.5 sacks in his first four games and then just one tackle in 35 defensive snaps the last two weeks. Even if he remains in a pass rusher's role, the defense needs Winovich to be an impact playmaker.

Ja'Whaun Bentley, LB: Bentley has played 88 percent of the defensive snaps this season, taking over an every-down role after being a rotational linebacker last season. Coming downhill, Bentley is a big and disruptive interior presence and with limited depth, Bentley will be a focal point in the middle of the defense as the Patriots look to make Buffalo a one-dimensional passing offense.

Nick Folk, K: Folk has been perfect inside 40 yards this season (5-5) and has made four of six attempts beyond 40, while making 10-of-11 extra points. While Folk is not a weapon as a kicker who can make unexpected long field goals, he has been consistent and with the offense struggling to put up points in recent weeks, every kick Folk attempts will be important in Buffalo.

Josh Allen, QB: The Bills third-year quarterback got off to a white-hot start for the Bills this season, making himself an early MVP candidate as Buffalo started 4-0. The Bills are 1-2 since then, with Allen throwing three touchdowns to two interceptions while still completing over 60 percent of his passes. With the Patriots coming off three-straight losses, the pressure is on Allen to finally dispatch their divisional rivals and take control of the AFC East. Can he deliver?

Stefon Diggs, WR: Diggs has immediately become Allen's favorite receiver in his first year with the team, putting up 48 catches for 603 yards and three touchdowns. An explosive outside player, Diggs has a tough matchup against the Pats secondary, the strength of the defense. If he can make some downfield plays, it will open things up for the Bills.

Cole Beasley, WR: Beasley continues to be one of the most effective slot players in the league, coming in second on the team behind Diggs with 39 catches for 470 yards. Beasley does most of his work inside and could see a good amount of Jonathan Jones in coverage. He's critical to keeping Buffalo's offense on time and is a valuable chains-mover.

Tremaine Edmunds, LB: The young linebacker will be heavily involved in trying to contain the Patriots ground game. A physical tackler with good range, Edmunds' performance might be the biggest key for the Buffalo defense as New England will once again lean heavily on their rushing attack to get things going. If Edmunds is making plays at or near the line of scrimmage, the Patriots could be in trouble as they are forced to rely on their passing game.

Jordan Poyer, S: Buffalo's leading tackler continues to be one of the best safeties in the league as he works with partner Micah Hyde, arguably the two most valuable players on Buffalo's defense. Like Edmunds, Poyer will have a big say in how this game declares. The Patriots need to do their best to keep him in coverage and not in the box making run stops. He also figures to be a key player in containing New England's quarterback runs.