Mac Jones, QB: Through seven games, the rookie is completing 70.4 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and six interceptions, and an overall QB rating of 92.8. This week against the Chargers, Jones will hope to build on his first 300-yard passing game and against LA's explosive offense, he'll likely have to engineer another 30-plus point game.

Damien Harris, RB: Harris put up over 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games for the first time in his career against the Jets. He also has four touchdowns in his last three games and against the Chargers' lowly-ranked rush defense, he'll have to opportunity to continue his strong season. Harris has also already doubled his career catch output with 10 as his game has become even more well-rounded in his third season.

Hunter Henry, TE: Henry leads the team with four touchdown grabs, all coming in the last four games and he'll look to continue that streak against his former team. Despite the touchdowns, Henry has just four catches in the last two games, expect him to have a big game against a Chargers defense that ranks 29th in DVOA covering tight ends.

Adrian Phillips, DB: Another former Charger, Phillips' role in this one could largely be affected by the availability of Devin McCourty. The captain's absence would force Phillips away from his matchup role and more into free safety responsibilities. Phillips is currently third on the team with 34 combined tackles and an interception.

Matt Judon, OLB: Judon got off to a white-hot start, recording 6.5 sacks from Week 2 to Week 5, but has recorded no sacks and just a single QB hit in the last two contests. Against a tough Chargers offense, the Patriots will need Judon to be back to his disruptive self, LA has allowed just 11 sacks all season, well below the league average of 15.

Justin Herbert, QB: Herbert is off to an excellent start in his second season, throwing 14 touchdowns to just four interceptions and an impressive 98.8 QB rating. He can do it all and is equally dangerous from the pocket or running. Last season, the Patriots confounded Herbert, forcing him into his worst game of the season. Can they do it again? Or will Herbert be ready for what is thrown at him and make amends?

Austin Ekeler, RB: Ekeler is one of the most well-rounded yet underrated backs in the NFL, as he has a balanced 356 rushing yards and 242 receiving yards with seven all-purpose touchdowns. That versatility allows the Chargers to dictate matchups and dealing with Ekeler will be one of the biggest keys for the Patriots defense, a task potentially made more challenging if their safety depth is tested.

Mike Williams, WR: The big wide receiver is on pace for his best season as a pro, with 33 catches already that should easily top his career high of 49. With six touchdown catches, Williams leads the team and is a key red zone target for Herbert. How the Patriots will match up against Williams is a big question mark. Last season, J.C. Jackson was primarily covering him, but this year they'll need to decide how to deal with Keenan Allen without Stephon Gilmore.

Joey Bosa, DE: Bosa has 3.5 sacks this year and continues to be a disruptive force off the edge. Last year, the Patriots were able to avoid letting him blow up their game plan but the approach this year with Mac Jones will certainly be different than the heavy running approach they used in 2020. Getting the ball out quick will be a big key. If the Patriots offensive line remains the same as it was against the Jets, Michael Onwenu will play a big part in facing Bosa.

Derwin James, S: One of the most athletic defensive backs in the game, James can do it all as evidenced by his 50 tackles, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and an interception. He'll be all over the place in the Chargers secondary and will be a key figure for Mac Jones to identify pre-snap. If Mac and the Pats offense lose track of James, he has the kind of skillset that can blow up a gameplan.