Matt LaCosse, TE – LaCosse has battled injuries all season but was off of this week's injury report, a sign that he's healthy and ready to contribute. He has just five catches in five games but should give the Patriots offense some flexibility. The team saw something in him when they signed him to a two-year deal this past offseason and now they really need him to become a factor.

N'Keal Harry, WR – Harry made his debut last week and could play a pivotal role against the Cowboys with Sanu and Dorsett battling injuries. It's asking a lot of the rookie but it's also a huge opportunity for him to jump into the fire as the primary outside receiver. Everyone's been waiting to see what Harry's got, we should learn a lot this weekend.

Jakobi Meyers, WR – Meyers has been the one constant for the Patriots receiving corps this season and he's got 15 catches on 19 targets for 179 yards. He and Harry could be thrust into major roles this weekend and with Julian Edelman sure to draw the majority of the coverage attention it will often leave Meyers one-on-one in the middle of the field. He's been reliable in spot duty this year, but has continued to have rookie moments. He'll need his best game of the season to help the Patriots offense get on track.

Isaiah Wynn, OL – Wynn is set to make his debut post-Injured Reserve after suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2. Wynn is a definite upgrade at left tackle, with high athleticism that will help him settle the line and open up more options of attack. He'll see plenty of Robert Quinn and the Patriots will get a huge boost if he steps back in and plays at the level he did in Week 1 against the Steelers.

Stephon Gilmore, CB – Gilmore is likely to get one of his toughest challenges of the season facing Amari Cooper, a receiver who can threaten every part of the field. The Patriots gameplan will start with Gilmore eliminating Cooper and if he does that the trickle-down effect on the Cowboys offense will be significant. It's as good of a corner-receiver battle as you'll see in the NFL.

Dak Prescott, QB – Prescott is having the best season of his young career, poised to set career highs in all major statistical categories. He's playing like the best passing quarterback the Patriots defense has seen this year and has all the necessary weapons around him to attack everywhere. The key for the Patriots will get getting to Prescott and taking him out of his rhythm.

Jaylon Smith, LB – The middle linebacker rarely leaves the field for the Cowboys and is actively involved in every role on defense. He has two-and-a-half sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed to go with a team-leading 56 solo tackles. Getting Smith blocked will be a key on every play for the Patriots offensive line.

Michael Bennett, DE – Bennett was traded from the Patriots to the Cowboys earlier this season and is still a major problem as a pass rusher. The Patriots offensive line saw plenty of Bennett in training camp so they have some sense of him, but the Cowboys will move him all over the line looking to exploit matchups. He can't be allowed to push the pocket.

Tony Pollard, RB – The unsung hero of the Cowboys backfield, Pollard is an explosive change-of-pace back who can run and catch. He will only play about 15-20 snaps but has the ability to break off a long run every time he touches the ball, which includes kickoff returns. The Patriots can't lose track of Pollard while overly focusing on Elliott.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB – Dallas' punishing back can play every down but has had an inconsistent season despite the overall effectiveness of the Cowboys offense. In the last two games he has just 92 yards on 36 attempts, a 2.56 yards-per-attempt average. Expect the Cowboys to test the Patriots front with Elliot early and often. Preventing him from getting going will be the defense's primary goal.