Tom Brady, QB: The pressure is on Brady and the Patriots offense that failed to solve their problems against the Texans. Now comes another AFC power matchup against a division leader that will have important playoff implications. This is usually when Brady is at his best, but there are still a lot of questions about the Patriots offense, the biggest being if they can keep pace with the Chiefs scoring machine.

Sony Michel, RB: The biggest weakness on the Chiefs team has been their early-down run defense so it's pretty much now or never for the Patriots running game, led by Michel. In recent weeks, the 2018 first rounder has shown improved burst and vision but is still waiting for a game where he runs roughshod. The Pats need this to be that game to secure their place atop the AFC.

Rex Burkhead, RB: Burkhead had a surprising lack of usage against the Texans, but against the aggressive Chiefs defense there should be a more significant role for the versatile back. One way or another the Pats must get the run going against the Chiefs and if Michel can't do it, expect Burkhead to get close to 20 snaps, both running and catching the ball.

Jamie Collins, LB: The Chiefs high-flying offense is just the kind of game where Collins should excel in. After fighting an illness last week, Collins was mostly invisible against the Texans. He'll need to re-emerge and find the form that had him as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate earlier this season. If he's chasing down Mahomes and making plays in the backfield, the Patriots defense will have a chance to contain the Chiefs.

Kyle Van Noy, LB: Van Noy has been the Patriots most consistent linebacker this season and his strong play on the edge while also getting after the quarterback has given New England one of the best linebackers in the league. In big games your best players need to play like your best players and Van Noy must combine with Jamie Collins to lead the way in winning the physical battle and making life difficult for Patrick Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes, QB: With 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions, the Patriots can't expect to rely on mistakes from Mahomes to help aid their offensive struggles. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense cannot be totally stopped but the Patriots did a reasonable job containing them for large portions of last year's two matchups. Can they reproduce those results or even improve on them by not allowing 31 second-half points for a third-straight matchup?

Tyrann Mathieu, SS: Matheiu has emerged as a key playmaker on a remade Chiefs defense and figures to be in the middle of the action all game long whether he's in coverage or in the box against the run. Mathieu leads the defense with three interceptions and is second with seven passes defensed. Making sure the safety doesn't get his hands on any passes will be vital.

Travis Kelce, TE: Kelce leads the Chiefs with 68 catches and is the first weapon that must be taken away from Mahomes. That is easier said than done as Bill Belichick described Kelce as being more of a wide receiver than true tight end. That kind of matchup could see Stephon Gilmore matching up on Kelce at key moments.

Sammy Watkins, WR: Watkins doesn't get enough attention and is second on the team with 42 catches. With the speed of Tyreek Hill and effectiveness of Kelce, it's easy to lose Watkins and that's what happened in last year's AFC Championship where Watkins led the Chiefs with over 100 yards receiving. They can't lose track of him this year.

Tyreek Hill, WR: Hill missed four games but is still tied for the touchdown lead on the team with five. Hill's speed is a game-changing factor and one the Patriots will have to be constantly aware of. Between Hilll and Mecole Hardman, the Chiefs have no problem stretching the field and that could take the Patriots out of their effective Cover-0 blitz package.