Mac Jones, QB: Jones completed just 51 percent of his passes against the Chargers but avoided any killer mistakes and that was the major difference in the Patriots' big win. Things only get more difficult against a Panthers defense that ranks near the top of the league in just about every important category. With nine touchdowns and six interceptions on the season, Jones' safe play has been a big part of the four wins. This will be the fourth top-10 DVOA defense he's faced in his rookie year.

Damien Harris, RB: Harris has six touchdowns on the year, rushing for 517 yards while also catching 10 balls. While he and the Patriots rushing attack didn't overwhelm the Chargers, they were a key part of sealing the win in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defense got off to a great start against the run, holding their first three opponents all under 50 yards, but since Dallas put up 245 yards and Minnesota got 198, they've fallen back to earth a bit. In an expected defensive battle, Harris could be the game-changer.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers has 45 catches on the season, needing just 14 more to top his career high that he set last season. Of course, it's that elusive first touchdown that everyone wants for the Patriots' leading receiver, but it won't come easily against a tough Carolina pass defense that just added Stephon Gilmore into the mix last week. But one thing is clear, Meyers is the key piece to keep the chains moving and Mac Jones loves to look his way in the big spots.

Christian Barmore, DL: The impressive second rounder has seen his role continue to grow each week, as he's been one of the most disruptive defensive linemen consistently throughout the season. Now, the question is how good can Barmore be? How big can his role grow to? He's making big plays and drawing penalties as the rookie should be expected to be a factor. His development has been fun to watch.

Adrian Phillips, S: The reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Phillips was all over the place against his former team, netting two interceptions and returning one for a touchdown. Phillips figures to be a key piece in dealing with the balanced running back group in Carolina. Now in the last year of his contract with the Patriots, every week is another reminder that he's been among the team's best defenders over the last two seasons.

PJ Walker, QB: With Sam Darnold's status unknown due to a concussion suffered last weekend, it looks like Walker will get the second start of his career that includes a stint in the XFL. This season, Walker has two appearances and has completed just three of 15 passes, but last season he won his only start, knocking off Detroit 20-0 by completing 70 percent of his passes and throwing a touchdown with two interceptions.

Chuba Hubbard, RB: Christian McCaffrey is easing his way back into practice this week, but even if he plays after landing on IR with a hamstring injury, it will likely be the rookie Hubbard that carries most of the load. Hubbard broke 100 yards rushing in a loss to Philadelphia earlier this season, and while he's not as dynamic as McCaffrey, he's a balanced back who runs hard and can burn the Patriots whether rushing or receiving.

DJ Moore, WR: The one elite piece of Carolina's offense that isn't dealing with injury issues, Moore has 50 catches for 645 yards with three touchdowns, leading the team by a large margin. He's on pace to set career highs in his fourth season as he's a threat on every down. Still just 24, Moore is one of the emerging stars in the NFL and someone the Patriots will need to have a plan for on every down.

Shaq Thompson, LB: The speedy linebacker is all over the Panthers defense, logging two interceptions, three passes defensed and a sack to go with his 24 solo tackles and four quarterback hits. He's in the middle of an aggressive Panthers defense, that plays with plenty of cohesion and is one of their most impactful playmakers on all three downs.

Haason Reddick, OLB: Reddick came over from Arizona this season and has been a slam-dunk addition, tied for fifth in the league with 7.5 sacks. He's an absolute terror off the edge, where he uses his speed to blow by flat-footed offensive lineman without being touched. The Patriots tackles will need to bring their best games to deal with Reddick and Brian Burns, who plays on the opposite side of him. Both are game wreckers.