N'Keal Harry, WR: The numbers didn't jump off the stat sheet last week against the Bengals, but the plan to get Harry more involved in the offense was apparent, with two carries and multiple targets. The trend must continue against the Bills as Harry gives them a new twist to throw at a very good Buffalo defense. If Harry makes more strides he could be one of the offense's biggest x-factors for the playoffs.

Mohamed Sanu, WR: After a promising start, Sanu is still looking to get back on track after suffering an ankle injury that limited him in recent weeks. The Patriots need more production than eight catches for 44 yards in the last four games after giving up a second-round pick for him. With Julian Edelman battling multiple injuries the Pats will need Sanu against the Bills more than ever.

Tom Brady, QB: It has been one of the tougher years for Brady and the offense but they continue to fight and will now see an opponent with 10-plus wins in the last two weeks of a season for the first time under Belichick. With his favorite receiver Julian Edelman dealing with shoulder and knee injuries, Brady faces arguably his toughest challenge of the season with the division title and a playoff bye week still on the line.

Devin McCourty, S: McCourty kicked things off in the first game against Buffalo with a tone-setting interception. He continues to be the back end glue who can do it all and after a Pro Bow snub, McCourty should lead his defense into this one with something to prove. As always, he'll be involved in all aspects of the defensive gameplan.

Dont'a Hightower, LB: The newly-minted Pro Bowler is the leader of The Boogeymen and was a conspicuous absence in the first game against the Bills. His presence was sorely missed as Frank Gore had a lot of success with 109 yards on 17 carries. Hightower's return to the lineup should make a big difference this time around. He always saves his best for the biggest games and this is a big game.

Josh Allen, QB: On one hand, Allen has 14 fumbles this year, but on the other he's thrown just two interceptions since early October. There's little question that Allen's ball security could make or break this game for the Bills. But this is an opportunity the Bills have long waited for and this is the game that has haunted the AFC East for nearly two decades – trying to knock the Patriots off in their home stadium. Allen has a golden opportunity if he plays safe and makes the easy plays.

Devin Singletary, RB: Since the last game against the Patriots, the rookie Singletary has emerged as an every-down back for the Bills and should get at least 20 touches in this game. Elusive backs like him have often been a thorn in the side of the Patriots defense, who prefer bigger linebackers that can be targeted in the passing game. Singletary could be Buffalo's most dangerous weapon in this game, especially if they get him in space.

Tremaine Edmunds, LB: Edmunds has emerged as one of the best young linebackers in the game in his second season after being a first-round pick in 2018. With 104 tackles, nine passes defensed and a sack-and-a-half Edmunds can do it all and will the most active player on the Bills defense. Finding a way to get him blocked will be a big offensive key for the Patriots.

Tre'Davious White, CB: White enters this game tied with Stephon Gilmore for the league lead in interceptions (6) and is as savvy cornerback as there is in the NFL. With 17 passes defensed he is the Bills most valuable matchup piece, but how will they use him? On a hurt Edelman? Tom Brady will have to be careful whenever targeting White in coverage. Not many players are close to Gilmore's level of play this season but White is close and Buffalo's defensive MVP.

Jordan Phillips, DT: Phillips is a big and disruptive force who will put a lot of pressure on the Patriots offensive line, especially along the interior. With a limited Patriots passing attack, the offensive key for New England will be not allowing Phillips to blow up their run game. Can the Patriots win the battle inside? That's the question that could determine how much offensive success they have on the day.