Cam Newton, QB: Newton has led the Patriots to two-straight wins with good ball security and decision making as Josh McDaniels continues to craft his gameplan around Newton's skillset. Can Newton and McDaniels continue to reach new heights with the offense? The Texans present their challenges but have been exploited throughout the season and the Patriots should know where to attack them. As always, all eyes will be on Cam.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Since being thrust into the 49ers game, Meyers has 27 catches for 346 yards, while throwing a touchdown against the Ravens. He's emerged as a critical element for the Patriots offense and has delivered in numerous big spots over the last four games. The Texans should continue to ramp up the attention Meyers receives and he'll need to be ready for new challenges every week.

Damien Harris, RB: Like Meyers, Harris has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Patriots in recent weeks, with a hard-charging running style that has him averaging 5.5 yards-per-attempt this season. His two carries to start the second half against the Ravens were game-defining plays. With Houston's suspect run defense, Harris should be in line for another big day as his explosive runs have been a defining trait in the last two wins.

Kyle Dugger, S: Dugger was back in action in a major way against the Ravens, playing a career-high 56 snaps and leading the team in tackles. After not seeing much action due to injury, Dugger appears to be back on track to be one of the most important developing players on the Patriots defense. He should have a significant role in containing Deshaun Watson, as it looks like the Patriots found another small school gem.

Lawrence Guy, DL: Guy's return against his former team in Baltimore jumped off the screen. He set the tone with palpable aggressiveness that contained the vaunted Ravens run game for the entire game. Guy is the biggest key to what the Patriots do up front and now, with some reinforcements around him, the team should be able to put him in even more favorable matchups. Guy is a game-wrecker and New England will count heavily on him.

Deshaun Watson, QB: Despite the Texans 2-5 record and losing DeAndre Hopkins, Watson is still having a solid year completing over 68 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns to five interceptions. Watson is a threat with his arm and legs on every down, as the Patriots saw firsthand last season. He was nearly flawless through the air in that game with a 140.7 QB rating. They'll need a better effort against Watson this year.

Will Fuller, WR: Fuller combines with former Patriot Brandin Cooks to form the top receiving options for the Texans offense. Both have impressive deep speed that should challenge the Patriots coverage, with Fuller leading the team with six touchdowns, including a 77-yarder. Preventing the Texans receivers from finding the end zone on big plays will be a huge key in the game.

Duke Johnson, RB: With David Johnson battling a concussion, the veteran Duke Johnson has become an every-down back for the Texans, totaling 30 carries the last two weeks. Johnson hasn't produced much in those games, but the Patriots can expect to see a heavy dose of him testing their run defense. A week after containing the Ravens ground game, New England can't let an inferior Texans rushing attack find any footing.

Zach Cunningham, LB: Cunningham is the Texans leading tackler by a wide margin, racking up 92 total tackles in just nine games. He's the most active defender for Houston and is also tied for second with three sacks. He'll be a big key for the offensive line to block on running plays, he's athletic enough to cause a lot of problems.

JJ Watt, DL: The veteran defensive lineman has played every game this season and leads the team with four sacks and eight QB hits. As always, he'll provide a huge challenge for the blockers up front on every down. If the Patriots are to move the ball, they'll need a plan on every down to take care of Watt and make sure he doesn't blow up their gameplan.