Sony Michel – Michel is averaging just 3.3 yards-per-attempt and has yet to break 100 yards in a game this season. Last year as a rookie, he came on down the stretch and helped lead the way to Super Bowl 53 with a ground game resurgence. That was a different team with different blockers leading the way though. Will Michel's sophomore season be a lost one? Kicking off the second half and the run to the playoffs with his best game of the year would be ideal, but asking a lot.

Mohamed Sanu – With 12 catches in two games with the Patriots, Sanu's role should continue to grow against the Eagles. Just 23 catches away from a career high, the physical receiver has looked like the ideal receiver for Brady and by taking some heat off Julian Edelman, should make the entire passing offense more potent. The ceiling for the Pats offense is highly connected to Sanu.

Julian Edelman – Despite battling injuries since Week 3, Edelman is on pace for one of his best statistical seasons. There's little question he's their offensive MVP at this point and has been the only consistent playmaker. Being over-reliant on Edelman is not a recipe for Super Bowl success but if he can avoid further injury there's no question he'll continue to be the engine for the offense and a must-watch player every week.

Patrick Chung – With the Eagles' vaunted tight ends, Chung will be a critical matchup piece this Sunday. After missing two bye-week practices, Chung was back on the field this week, a good sign for his availability. He does a little of everything for the defense but figures to see a lot of Zach Ertz in coverage.

Jamie Collins – After a start worthy of Defensive MVP consideration, Collins' head was spinning against the Ravens, guessing wrong multiple times and getting left in the dust. The Patriots are at their best when Collins and the linebackers are leading the way. Getting back to that will be a big key in Philadelphia.

Fletcher Cox – Cox has just 2.5 sacks this season, well off his 2018 career high of 10.5 but don't let that fool you. He's still very much capable of being exactly the kind of disruptive interior force that gives a pocket passer like Tom Brady problems. The Patriots offensive line must not let Cox make this the game he gets his season sack totals back on track.

Lane Johnson – Johnson is no stranger to Patriots fans, needling them with a tweet shortly after New England lost to the Ravens that he was looking forward to having some fun at the Linc in a couple weeks. Johnson is part of a very good Eagles offensive line and this is where the game will likely be won or lost. If the Pats are pushed around like they were by Baltimore, they'll be in for a long night. Lawrence Guy matching up against Johnson will be a key matchup.

Jordan Howard – For two weeks we've heard about the Patriots struggles against the run and it's a good bet the Patriots heard it too. Howard is the Eagles key power back, rushing for six touchdowns and 525 yards so far this season, becoming a key part of their offensive attack. He didn't break 50 yards in any of Philly's four losses. That says a lot about the Eagles offense and what the Patriots defense will need to do.

Zach Ertz – Ertz is the most reliable weapon on the field and partners with Dallas Goedert to form one of the most devastating one-two tight end punches in the league. It's easy to see how the secondary will match up against Alshon Jeffrey and Nelson Agholor, but dealing with the two tight ends using some combinations of safeties, cornerbacks and linebackers will be a critical area.

Carson Wentz – Wentz threw all four of his interceptions in three of the Eagles losses this season. After the Patriots front seven spent most of the game against the Ravens on their heels, they'll now have a chance to get after the quarterback again. Wentz is mobile and will require the rush to keep him contained but he's doesn't possess the dazzling running ability of Lamar Jackson.